Governor Kim Young-rok discusses renewable energy cooperation with Norway
- Collaboration ideas with Ambassador of Norway to the Republic of Korea Anne Kari Hansen Ovind explored -
- Introducing offshore wind power conditions and projects in Jeollanam-do while highlighting investment opportunities -
- Business delegation inspects Mokpo New Port and Haenam Hwawon Industrial Complex for cooperation plans -
【Bae Yong-seok, Head of Offshore Wind Power Industry Division, 286-2860; Moon Gwangje, Head of Wind Power Policy Division, 286-2870】

(Attached are two photos of the meeting with Norway’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Anne Kari Hansen Ovind.)
On the morning of October 23, Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Young-rok met with Anne Kari Hansen Ovind, Ambassador of Norway to the Republic of Korea, to discuss cooperation in the field of renewable energy, focusing on offshore wind power, and exchange ideas for regional development.

This meeting was held at the Embassy’s request to discuss global cooperation initiatives for sustainable marine and renewable energy development in light of climate change. Ambassador Anne Kari Hansen Ovind was accompanied by a business delegation of 18 members, including representatives from offshore wind powerrelated companies and energy institutions.

“Jeollanam-do is promoting offshore wind power projects with a capacity of 30 GW, including the 8.2 GW Sinan offshore wind cluster, in areas such as Yeosu, Yeonggwang, and Jindo,” stated Governor Kim, who introduced projects being undertaken in Jeollanam-do. “We are also planning a 3.6 GW floating offshore wind power project near Heuksando Island.”

“In order to build a large-scale offshore wind cluster and establish an industrial ecosystem, we are working to improve various systems, such as the enactment of the ‘Offshore Wind Power Special Act,’ secure exclusive harbors and hinterland areas through the development of the Haenam Hwawon Industrial Complex, and attract global offshore wind power companies,” he continued. “We hope that the Norwegian business delegation’s visit leads to investments in Jeonnam, which has the best offshore wind business conditions.”

In response, Ambassador Ovind said, “Norway hopes to actively cooperate with Jeonnam, the center of renewable energy in South Korea, in diverse fields, including offshore wind power, shipbuilding, and marine engineering.” She added, “We will serve as a bridge between the Jeollanam-do and Norwegian governments, as well as Norwegian businesses.”

After the meeting with Governor Kim, the Norwegian Ambassador, along with the business delegation, will visit Mokpo New Port and Haenam Hwawon Industrial Complex to examine the development of designated harbors and hinterland areas for offshore wind power and discuss concrete cooperation plans with Jeollanam-do.

Jeollanam-do has attracted the attention of leading European companies in the offshore wind power industry, such as Vestas, a global wind turbine company. The Norwegian business delegation’s visit is indicative of Jeollanam-do’s status as a key hub for offshore wind power globally.

Jeollanam-do has already commenced construction of the 8.2 GW lead project (99 MW) in January this year, with additional projects by Hanwha Corporation/E&C (400 MW) and Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. (300 MW) to be constructed by 2024. The province also plans to apply for the designation of an offshore wind power cluster (4 GW) by the end of the year.

◇ Photo caption
(Meeting with Ambassador of Norway to the Republic of Korea Anne Kari Hansen Ovind)
Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Young-rok snaps a photo with Norwegian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Anne Kari Hansen Ovind after a meeting at the provincial government’s reception room on October 23.