The provincial government’s stated goal is to have 100 percent of its power come from renewable energy sources by the year 2030. Wind power plays a big role in the plan, but as Kim Minhoe now reports a lot of challenges remain.
Report
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30 MW wind farm in Hangyeong
This is the 30 megawatt wind farm platform in (한경) Hangyeong.
It’s the country’s first, and construction is slated for completion by September of this year.
Now, following this, the island is gearing up for its next round of offshore wind projects.
Six wind farms are planned for all around the island.
100MW platforms in (한림) Hallim and (대정) Daejeong, a 105MW farm in (한동) Handong ? (평대) Pyeongdae, 125MWs in (월정) Wonjeong ? (행원) Haengwon, and finally, a 135MW platform in (표선) Pyoseon.
Together, these new platforms will contribute 595 megawatts in total output.
Site selection procedures for the wind farms in (대정) Daejeong, (한동?평대) Handong, Pyeongdae, (월정?행원) Wonjeong, Haengwon, and (표선) Pyoseon are underway.
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Landscape, ecosystem, environment must all be considered
Critics say that the impact on the marine landscape, ecosystem, and environment must be considered when selecting sites to ensure sustainable development.
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The criteria for site selection are not yet comprehensive enough, as criteria on energy generating capacity and distance between the seashore and turbines themselves must be taken into account.
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‘Systematic approach needed for site selection’
This offshore wind project is the nation’s first attempt at such an endeavor, so a systemic approach to site selection is needed to set a national example.
INTERVIEW
Kim Tae-yun / Korea Environment Institute
I believe the province should review existing data and listen to area residents when choosing sites for offshore wind farms.
<인터뷰:김태윤 한국환경정책평가연구원 연구위원>
"지구 지정할때는 기존의 데이터를 많이 활용해서 탐문 조사라는지 주민의견 많이 들어서 최대한 많은 자료를 활용할 필요가 있다고 생각합니다."
An in-depth review on tides, currents, low frequency noise, and fishery rights are prerequisites to a site selection being made.
INTERVIEW
Heo Chang-ok / Jeju Provincial Council member
Offshore wind farms suitable for local waters have been little discussed and the island needs to complement related regulations. Renewable energy projects should consider the island’s environment.
<인터뷰:허창옥 제주도의회 의원>
"정말 제주지역 해양과 걸맞는 해상풍력이 되는냐에 대한 논의나 제도적으로 상당히 미흡한 상황입니다. 그런것들을 최대한 보완하고 그래서 제주의 환경과 걸맞는 신재생에너지 사업이 추진돼야 된다고 봅니다."
Jeju Island is planning to produce 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and electricity from offshore wind turbines will account for more than 40 percent of that.
[Reporter] Kim Minhoe
[Camera] Park Byeong-joon
However, controversy over possible negative effects on the ecosystem and the environment must be cleared up before this extensive project moves ahead.
Kim Minhoe, KCTV