Total and Macquarie to develop offshore wind in South Korea

Total and Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (GIG) have concluded a 50/50 partnership to develop a portfolio of 5 large floating offshore wind projects in South Korea with a potential cumulated capacity of more than 2 gigawatts (GW).

Located off the Eastern and Southern coasts of the country (Ulsan and South Jeolla Provinces), the projects have commenced on-site comprehensive wind data collection campaign. The partners aim to launch construction of the first project of around 500 megawatts by end 2023.

The partnership should become effective in the autumn of 2020 after regulatory approvals.

With the announcement of the "Green New Deal" plan last July 14th, South Korea has reaffirmed its strong ambitions to develop renewable energies which shall reach at least 20 per cent of the power mix by 2030, including 12 GW of offshore wind capacities. The country has a significant potential for the development of a floating offshore wind segment benefiting from a strong governmental support and a unique set of local competencies amongst which the extensive shipbuilding know-how and the country’s ambitious R&D programs.

“Our entry in the floating offshore wind segment in South Korea is in line with Total’s strategy to profitably develop renewable energy worldwide and contribute to our net zero ambition,” said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman & CEO of Total.

“We strongly believe in the potential of floating offshore wind in South Korea, which will play a key role in achieving the country’s renewables objectives. Thanks to its extensive experience in offshore projects, in cooperation with many Korean shipyards, Total is particularly well positioned to contribute to the successful development of this new technology in South Korea together with our partner GIG.”

Subject to regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other conditions precedent, the partnership will become effective in the autumn of 2020.