By 2035, the South Korean government has announced plans to establish seven offshore wind power complexes on the West Coast, with a total capacity of 11 gigawatts (GW). Out of this total, 9 GW will be generated in the Honam region. This initiative follows the Renewable Energy Policy Review Committee's decision to conditionally designate these power projects, which are aimed at boosting local energy production and transitioning to renewable sources. The government stresses that local governments, along with communities and fishermen, will play a significant role in the development process through public-private partnerships. However, certain areas may require additional review due to military operations, which have been noted as a complicating factor in some zones.

The designated offshore wind power projects include several specific capacities and timelines for installation across different localities. For instance, 3.6 GW will be installed in Jindo, Jeollanam-do by 2033, and 1 GW in Buan, Jeollabuk-do by 2030. Other projects are planned in Gunsan, Boryeong, and Incheon, culminating in a total of 11.6 GW. The strategic planning also ties in with existing industrial facilities, notably linking Jeonnam's wind energy with the AI semiconductor industrial complex in Haenam and connecting it to provincial networks. This return aligns with the broader energy transition strategy following the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants in the Chungcheongnam-do region and aims to provide cleaner energy to the metropolitan areas, particularly the semiconductor hub in Yongin.

While this announcement heralds a significant leap towards renewable energy, particularly in offshore wind capacity, it has not been without concerns. The primary apprehension is regarding the capacity of the offshore wind output to be transmitted effectively to the metropolitan grid, especially to the power-hungry Yongin semiconductor industrial complex, which plans to host ten large factories by 2046. The government plans to be more proactive in promoting wind energy development and may designate additional areas for offshore wind projects, indicating a commitment to scaling up renewable energy generation in the country.