Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Wind Country Notes

Korea (Republic)
Until a few years ago, Korea concentrated on industrial development goals rather than the advancement of renewable energy utilisation. However, following the Government's establishment of the Basic Plan for New and Renewable Energy (NRE) Technology Development and Dissemination in December 2003, the situation is now changing. A target of 5% of total primary energy supply to be met from renewable energy by 2011 has been set.

Until the end of 2004 implementation of wind power capacity had been extremely slow, totalling only a cumulative 28 MW. However, by end-2005, installed capacity had risen to 99 MW. The NRE goal specifically for wind energy has been put at 2 250 MW installed capacity by 2012. A feed-in tariff for NRE-generated electricity, put in place during May 2002, undoubtedly helps with growth in the wind sector. One particular problem with the future siting of turbines is the lack of suitable locations. The mountainous countryside beyond the centres of population lacks the necessary infrastructure and has other constraints, thus causing capital costs to be higher; moreover obtaining authorisation to build in such areas is often impossible.

An R&D programme was instituted in 2001 and there are now four indigenous turbine manufacturers, mainly working on 750 kW to 2 MW systems. In order to meet the 2012 target, it will be necessary to develop 3 MW class wind systems. In December 2005, a demonstration offshore wind project (two 2 MW systems) was launched.