March 7, 2025 (SEOUL) — On February 27, after nearly five years of deliberation, South Korea has established a legal foundation for offshore wind power that balances environmental sustainability, social acceptance, and economic feasibility. The Special Act on the Promotion of Offshore Wind Power and Industrial Development (“OSW Promotion Act”) is a crucial step in the clean energy transition, but implementation must now ensure real progress. 

South Korea's current offshore wind capacity remains at just 0.2 GW, only 1% of the 2030 target of 14.3 GW. Progress has stalled due to regulatory uncertainty, permitting inefficiencies, and stakeholder conflicts. Offshore wind development has long taken place in public waters, but without a tailored legal framework. As a result, fragmented approvals and unclear site selection caused numerous project delays.   

Offshore wind power is installed in public waters, which are used for various activities such as fishing, vessel navigation, marine habitats, and military training. Therefore, selecting wind farm locations requires careful consideration based on objective data and existing uses. Previously, site selection was tied to wind measurement device installation, after which individual permits, such as environmental impact assessments, maritime safety reviews, and military operational evaluations, were conducted. However, the final approval for construction in each location was only determined at the last stage when obtaining the public water surface use permit. This uncertainty forced projects to move forward without a guaranteed site, leading to concerns from stakeholders, including existing users of public waters and environmental groups, and fostering negative perceptions of offshore wind power. 

From policy to action 

The OSW Promotion Act addresses these challenges by shifting site selection from private developers to the government. The government will now establish a centralized site information system, conduct inter-ministerial consultations, and engage with local stakeholders before designating wind farm zones. Sites will be assessed for economic, environmental, and social feasibility, and project developers will be chosen via competitive bidding. This integrated permitting process reduces inefficiency and uncertainty while enabling investments in supply chains, ports, vessels, and grid infrastructure.   

The planned site designation system has been long overdue. Some argue it is too late given existing projects under the old system, but climate action cannot wait—we must accelerate efforts. Offshore wind power operates in shared waters, requiring coordinated, science-based planning. This law ensures better site selection and permitting efficiency, both essential for success.   

Work ahead: From legislation to meaningful climate action 

The passage of this law on the 50th anniversary of wind power introduction in Korea is symbolic, but implementation is key. The government must establish clear criteria for offshore wind zones, robust environmental assessment standards, and transparent bidding processes. 

Moreover, engagement with fishermen, communities, civil society, and industry must be open and inclusive. Concerns over overdevelopment and environmental impact must be addressed by enforcing the baseline marine impact studies (Article 16) before development and strict environmental assessments at project approval (Article 26). 

Yebin Yang, Policy Analyst at Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) said: 

“The special act is a major step, but we need action. Offshore wind expansion must be more than a slogan—it requires concrete strategies for sustainable, equitable deployment. To minimize policy uncertainty, the government must provide a clear timeline for regulations, zone designation, and bidding processes. For offshore wind to succeed, the government must swiftly enforce this legal framework, providing regulatory clarity for investors and communities alike.” 

With 2024 recorded as the hottest year in climate history, urgent action is essential. Offshore wind must move from policy to reality without delay. Now is the time to focus on solutions, not obstacles. The future of offshore wind and South Korea’s clean energy transition depends on it. 

ENDS.  

Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) is an independent nonprofit organization that works to accelerate global greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy transition. SFOC leverages research, litigation, community organizing, and strategic communications to deliver practical climate solutions and build movements for change.    

To request interviews, quotes, or more information please contact Yi Hyun Kim, Communications Officer, at yihyun.kim@forourclimate.org.