KOWEPO (Korea Western Power) is joining hands with JNDC to accelerate onshore and offshore wind power development projects in the Gwangju and Jeollanam-do regions. A "public-led renewable energy transition model" combining the accumulated technological capabilities of a central Genco with the regional licensing and cooperation expertise of a local public enterprise is expected to gain momentum.
KOWEPO signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with JNDC on Oct. 2 for "activation of onshore wind power in the Gwangju and Jeollanam-do regions and mutual cooperation." The signing ceremony was attended by about ten key officials from both institutions, including KOWEPO President Lee Jeong-bok and JNDC President Jang Chung-mo.
The two companies have already built solid trust by jointly promoting the Wando Jangbogo offshore wind power project, which has a capacity of 400 MW. This MOU was pursued to substantially expand the cooperation achievements built in offshore wind into the onshore wind sector. It is drawing particular attention because the two public institutions have aligned their goals to efficiently develop the abundant renewable energy resources of the Jeollanam-do and Gwangju integrated special city, which launched in July.
Roles have been clearly divided. KOWEPO will oversee all technical fields including obtaining an Electricity Business Licence, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and will lead business participation and investment. JNDC will focus on supporting licensing for new project sites, developing region-tailored cooperation models, and examining resident benefit-sharing measures. The two companies plan to work closely together throughout the entire process from candidate site identification through development and investment.
KOWEPO currently operates onshore wind power plants with a total capacity of 155.2 MW. It is recognized as having abundant wind power development and operation expertise, including promoting the 75 MW Gunwi Pungbaek onshore wind power project through a power purchase agreement (PPA) method for RE100. In addition, it is actively pursuing new wind power projects with a capacity of around 200 MW across the country in Jeollanam-do, Gyeongbuk, and Gangwon.
Starting with this MOU, the two companies plan to materialize a public-led onshore wind power model centered on resident participation and regional benefit-sharing.
Original Korean article: Energy News
English brief by Korea Wind Intelligence, koreawindintel.com
