ID: 17
Presenting Author: Taeyun Kim
Status: pending
This study examines Korea’s offshore wind EIA process to identify key environmental issues and propose improved site selection and assessment methods under the 2025 Special Act on Offshore Wind Power.
In March 2025, the Republic of Korea enacted the Special Act on Offshore Wind Power to accelerate offshore wind energy development, with enforcement scheduled for March 2026. Previously, developers struggled to secure appropriate sites and navigate fragmented permitting procedures. To resolve these challenges, the Act establishes a government-led framework for site identification and introduces an integrated approval process based on a “deemed consent” mechanism. A Marine Wind Power Site Information System is being developed to support spatial data management and preliminary screening. Candidate zones will be reviewed by a joint committee of government agencies and private experts, after which final development zones will be designated considering economic feasibility, technical suitability, and local acceptance. Public–private consultative bodies will be organized to identify areas with greater social consensus, and project developers will be chosen through competitive bidding. However, growing concerns have arisen over provisions that exempt designated development zones from environmental impact assessments (EIAs). By thoroughly examining key environmental issues, impact predictions, and mitigation measures under EIA, this study proposes suitable site selection methods and practical environmental assessment approaches for balancing development with environmental protection in Korea’s offshore wind sector.
Dr. Taeyun Kim is a Chief Research Fellow in the Environmental Assessment Group at KEI. His work includes reviewing EIA statements and conducting research on renewable energy, coastal environments, an