South Korea Introduces Government-Led Offshore Wind Zoning System to Streamline Development

The South Korean government is set to overhaul its offshore wind power development framework by introducing a planned site designation system, under which suitable locations will be identified in advance by the state. In parallel, a pan-governmental integrated body will handle permitting procedures in a streamlined manner, replacing the fragmented approval process previously led by private developers.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (기후에너지환경부) announced that the enforcement decree of the "Special Act on the Promotion of Offshore Wind Power Distribution and Industrial Development" (해상풍력 보급 활성화 및 산업 육성을 위한 특별법) was approved at a Cabinet meeting on March 17 and will take effect on March 26. The decree provides detailed implementation guidelines for the law enacted last year, marking a significant policy shift in the sector.

Under the new system, the government will assume a central role in identifying and evaluating potential offshore wind sites. Factors such as wind conditions, impacts on fisheries and the environment, maritime traffic, economic feasibility, grid connectivity, and public acceptance will be comprehensively assessed. Candidate areas will first be designated as preliminary zones and later confirmed as development zones upon further review.

A key feature of the reform is the establishment of the Offshore Wind Power Committee under the Prime Minister's Office. The committee will coordinate inter-ministerial positions and deliberate on major policies, including the designation of zones. Additionally, once a developer is selected within a designated zone, all necessary permits and approvals will be processed collectively, significantly improving procedural efficiency.

The framework also emphasizes local participation and benefit-sharing. Local governments will lead efforts to secure community acceptance through public-private consultative bodies, where at least half of the members must represent residents and fisheries stakeholders. The government plans to launch follow-up measures immediately after the law takes effect, including forming the committee, identifying initial candidate zones within the year, and establishing detailed environmental assessment standards. Officials highlighted that expanding renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, is critical to strengthening energy security amid growing global uncertainties.

Reference: 에너지데일리