A consortium led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has been selected as the preferred bidder for the 800MW Jeonbuk Southwestern Offshore Wind Expansion Complex Phase 1 project, according to a report by Splash247. The award, issued by Jeonbuk State, advances South Korea's push to expand offshore wind capacity and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Project Details and Consortium
The project represents the first phase of a larger 2.4GW offshore wind complex planned off Buan County. It is structured as a public-led scheme, with tender rules requiring public entities to hold more than half of the equity. KHNP said the consortium was chosen after a thorough evaluation covering public interest, delivery capability, and plans for regional co-prosperity.
The consortium includes nine partners spanning energy, manufacturing, banking, and maritime sectors:
- Hanwha Ocean
- Doosan Enerbility
- Korea East-West Power
- KEPCO KPS
- KEPCO Engineering & Construction
- IBK Financial Group
- KB Financial Group
- Samil C&S
- Jungang Ocean Heavy Industries
According to Splash247, KHNP president Kim Hoe-Cheon stated: “The selection of the preferred bidder is a significant achievement that recognises KHNP’s capabilities in renewable energy development and its commitment to public interest.”
Next Steps and Timeline
The next milestone is signing an implementation agreement with Jeonbuk provincial authorities by the end of August. Once completed, the project will move into detailed development work. The immediate focus then shifts to implementation, permitting, and procurement ahead of construction planning.
Strategic Context
Jeonbuk is one of South Korea’s flagship offshore wind zones, alongside other large-scale developments aimed at cutting the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. With the preferred bidder now named, the project enters a critical phase of advancing permitting and supply chain procurement, which will involve many of the consortium’s industrial and financial partners.
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