Vestas, the Danish wind turbine manufacturer, has inked a significant deal in South Korea, securing a 390MW contract for the Shinan-Ui offshore wind project in Jeollanam Province. This marks Vestas’ first offshore wind contract in the country, a strategic move that aligns with South Korea’s ambitious clean energy transition plans.
Under the agreement, Vestas will supply 26 of its V236-15.0MW offshore wind turbines, a model that gained type certification in 2023. The company has also signed a 20-year service agreement, underscoring its long-term commitment to the project. Deliveries are slated to commence in 2027, with the wind farm expected to enter commercial operation the following year.
The Shinan-Ui offshore wind development is a consortium effort, led by Hanwha Ocean, SK Eternix, Korea Midland Power Co. (KOMIPO), Future Energy Fund, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction. Hanwha Ocean’s Jong Hyun Son expressed confidence in the project’s potential, stating, “Hanwha Ocean will take a leading role in the Korean offshore wind industry through the successful execution of the Shinan-Ui Offshore Wind Project.” He further emphasized the project’s adherence to global standards, incorporating cutting-edge technology and robust local supply chains.
Vestas Asia Pacific president Purvin Patel echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of the project. “We are proud to partner with Hanwha Ocean on this milestone project in South Korea and introduce our industry-leading V236-15.0 MW offshore wind turbines to South Korean waters,” Patel said. He noted that these turbines, already deployed in European projects, represent a leap in offshore wind technology.
This development could catalyze South Korea’s offshore wind sector, setting a precedent for large-scale, utility-driven projects. The successful execution of the Shinan-Ui project could accelerate the adoption of offshore wind technology, fostering a more sustainable energy mix in South Korea. Moreover, it could spur local manufacturing and service capabilities, bolstering the country’s green energy ambitions.
The news also comes on the heels of Vestas’ recent success in Germany, where it secured seven turbine orders totaling 273MW. This global activity underscores Vestas’ strategic pivot towards offshore wind, a sector poised for substantial growth in the coming decades. As countries worldwide ramp up their renewable energy targets, Vestas’ foray into South Korea’s offshore wind market could signal a broader trend of international collaboration and technology transfer in the wind energy sector.