OMNI Features｜Korea Delays Offshore Wind Tender Amid Ongoing Regulatory Reviews

South Korea has postponed its offshore wind fixed-price contract tender for the second half of 2025, citing ongoing regulatory consultations with the Ministry of National Defense and other government bodies. As a result, only onshore wind projects will be included in the upcoming bidding round.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced the launch of the “2025 H2 Wind Fixed-Price Contract Tender,” under which wind developers can sell electricity to KEPCO and major generators at a fixed rate for 20 years. This year’s tender allocates roughly 230 MW exclusively to onshore wind—down from 300 MW last year, when participation fell short of the offered volume.

Industry observers warn that the onshore tender may again be undersubscribed. Developers argue that rising financing and construction costs require a ceiling price of at least 177,000 KRW/MWh to ensure project viability. However, the government set the 2025 cap at 163,846 KRW/MWh, reflecting global LCOE trends and declines in previous bid prices.

Offshore wind bidding remains on hold until uncertainties in permitting are resolved. Authorities are currently coordinating with responsible ministries for projects expected to enter the tender. Earlier this year, a public-sector offshore tender awarded all 689 MW on offer, while 844 MW in the general category failed to qualify, prompting expectations for a second-half tender that has now been delayed.

Bid submissions will be accepted from 17 December until 29 December, with evaluations conducted in two stages: a non-price assessment of industrial and economic effects, followed by a quantitative price-based scoring. Final results are expected in February next year.

Reference: 에너지경제신문