Energy leaders and wind industry giants have convened in Incheon for the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)’s APAC Wind Energy Summit, aiming to accelerate wind power development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Co-hosted with the Korea Wind Energy Industry Association (KWEIA), the three-day event focuses on scaling South Korea’s wind energy industry and fostering regional collaboration to meet global renewable energy targets.
Spotlight on South Korea’s Offshore Wind Ambitions
South Korea has set an ambitious goal of installing 14.3 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, leveraging its robust supply chain and industrial capabilities. The summit, now in its second edition, emphasizes aligning government policies with industry initiatives to achieve this target and solidify South Korea’s leadership in APAC’s wind energy growth.
Key global players, including Corio, Equinor, and Vestas, are serving as Event Ambassadors, shaping the summit’s program to drive meaningful industry impact.
Leadership and Collaboration at the Forefront
Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC, underscored the critical role of South Korea and other emerging APAC markets in the global energy transition.
“The discussions at COP29 on the Great Wind RE-set highlight the importance of emerging markets like South Korea in achieving the tripling of renewable energy targets by 2030. The Asia-Pacific region must lead the charge.”
Kim Hyung-geun, President of KWEIA, added:
“We are proud to showcase South Korea’s wind energy capabilities and collaborate with global leaders to scale the local industry. This summit is a platform to position South Korea as a global wind energy powerhouse.”
Regional and Financial Cooperation
The summit brings together government delegations from 12 countries, including India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, through partnerships with the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP). These forums aim to bolster collaboration and unlock the region’s vast wind energy potential.
On Day 2, GWEC will launch the inaugural APAC Clean Energy Finance Summit, co-hosted with the Asian Development Bank and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The session will focus on securing sustainable financing for renewable projects by engaging export credit agencies, commercial banks, and other financial stakeholders.
Running until November 28, 2024, at Songdo ConvensiA, the summit aims to accelerate investments and partnerships that will help APAC countries deliver on global climate goals. With strong participation from industry leaders and policymakers, the event underscores the region’s central role in the renewable energy revolution.