Vestas recently crossed an impressive milestone by winning a 390 megawatt (MW) contract. This contract represents the future of the Shinan-Ui offshore wind project off Jeollanam Province, South Korea, where they remain at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions. To this end, the company will provide 26 of its new, state-of-the-art V236-15.0 MW offshore wind turbines. The project is initially going to be delivering turbines in 2027. Located in the heart of the Central Valley, Vestas stands poised to make a big impact on the region’s renewable energy landscape once it enters commercial operation in 2028.
We know this project is a game-changer not just for the U.S. It signifies the country’s first fully-fledged utility-scale offshore wind development that follows the international best practices. Vestas has executed a 20-year service agreement. This agreement ensures that the turbines will be properly supported and maintained throughout their entire lifespan of operation.
Strategic Partnership and Technological Advancements
Complementing these efforts, the recently completed Shinan-Ui project features a remarkable collaboration between Vestas and Hanwha Ocean. Together, they are driving the growth of the offshore wind industry in South Korea. Purvin Patel, Vestas Asia Pacific president, stated,
“We are proud to partner with Hanwha Ocean on this milestone project in South Korea and introduce our industry-leading V236-15.0 MW offshore wind turbines to South Korean waters.”
The V236-15.0 MW turbine also received type certification earlier this year, signaling that it is ready for deployment. This turbine is important for Vestas’ wider strategy. Their goal is to bring the latest technologies to market, increasing the efficiency and sustainability of wind energy production.
Comprehensive Project Scope
The Shinan-Ui offshore wind project is home to an immensely innovative design of floating offshore wind turbine. It consists of sophisticated installation vessels, offshore transformer stations, and onshore grid connection systems to allow it to efficiently operate. These elements are crucial to demonstrating the viability of the project and to being in accordance with global best practices in offshore wind energy.
According to Jong Hyun Son of Hanwha Ocean, the venture’s significance cannot be overstated.
“Hanwha Ocean will take a leading role in the Korean offshore wind industry through the successful execution of the Shinan-Ui Offshore Wind Project.”
This partnership positions both French firms ahead of the pack within this emergent South Korean renewable energy industry. This aligns with the national goals of creating sustainable energy.
Recent Developments in Global Wind Energy
Vestas’s recent achievements extend beyond South Korea. That’s not all – earlier this month the company won seven turbine orders in Germany for a total of 273 MW. This milestone demonstrates its significant footprint in the European market. These announcements showcase Vestas’s dedication to increasing its presence in the rapidly growing global renewable energy market.