4th Korean-German Business Forum on Offshore Wind

On September 5, the 4th Korean-German Business Forum on Offshore Wind took place in Seoul. The event was organized by AHK Korea, the German Embassy in Seoul, and adelphi as part of the Korean-German Energy Partnership. It brought together 200 stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. With the theme "Offshore Wind Special Act and Beyond," the event focused on Korea’s evolving regulatory framework for offshore wind. Marie Antonia von Schönburg (AHK Korea), Jorn Beissert (German Embassy Seoul), Jinsu Shim (MOTIE), National Assembly Member Chul-gyu Lee, and Norman Ruhnke (German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) delivered opening remarks and expert inputs.

The discussions focused on the recently introduced Offshore Wind Special Act. Korean and German experts examined implementation pathways, permitting streamlining, and alignment with grid and maritime planning. Sessions addressed project bankability in Korea, examining financing structures, risk mitigation, and cost drivers throughout development, construction, and operations. The forum emphasized the strategic role of offshore wind in both countries' decarbonization efforts and the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating deployment. The event was also supported by RWE Renewables, TÜV SÜD, Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen, Skyborn Renewables, and BayWa r.e., reflecting a strong industry commitment to Korea's market. The companies emphasized the need for continued collaboration to advance bankable frameworks, robust grid infrastructure, and resilient supply chains as the foundation for scaling offshore wind in the region.