EXPLORING COEXISTENCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR
OFFSHORE WIND AND FISHERIES IN SOUTH KOREA:
GLOBAL OVERVIEW & BEST PRACTICES FOR SOUTH KOREA

OVERVIEW

South Korea is targeting to generate 21.6% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Although the national government recognises the potential of offshore wind to provide reliable, scalable and sustainable sources of electricity, the commercial development of offshore wind remains gradual.

Local acceptance issues, especially the perceived clashes of interests between fishers and the offshore wind industry, has given rise to concerns within the fishing community.

The report draws from successful international case studies to formulate key recommendations for South Korean policymakers to enable offshore wind to cohabit with the local fishing industry in a mutually beneficial way.

KEY INSIGHTS

Some key policy recommendations:

- Policymakers to ensure clarity and coordinated efforts between government-led and developer-led offshore wind projects.
- Government to prioritise the passing and implementation of Special Bills such as the Offshore Wind Power Promotion Act to allow clear guidance of future projects, streamline licensing and improve consensus-building with fisher folks.
- Conduct post-legislation discussions to address issues facing projects with Electricity Business Licenses (EBLs), defining government roles, and incorporating community coexistence plans as bid requirements.
- Provide clear government guidance that progresses viable projects with existing EBLs and recognises them as necessary to meet the country’s renewable energy targets.
- Propose that local governments establish public-private councils, formulate regional wind master plans, and encourage collaboration with various stakeholders to prioritise community-focused offshore wind development.