Deep Wind Offshore joins forces with the Korean Jeollanam-do province and leading maritime universities in Norway and South Korea, to develop and strengthen the offshore wind workforce.
Mokpo, June 18th, 2024: Deep Wind Offshore has initiated the multilateral cooperation with the Korean Jeollanam-do province, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Mokpo National University (MNU),and Mokpo Maritime University (MMU). The parties were accompanied by Norwegian Ambassador to South Korea Anne Kari Hansen Ovind during the signing ceremony.
A successful energy transition is at the heart of solving the global climate challenge. Tackling this challenge requires collaboration between different actors at different levels, defining problems and finding innovative solutions together. This MOU is proof of how Norwegian and Korean partners can work together, exchanging knowledge, skills and expertise between research, policy, and education. This type of collaboration is forward-looking, and I believe, crucial, for delivering innovation at scale putting us one step closer to a more sustainable society, Ambassador Ovind said.
The cooperation includes developing educational programs for professional and skilled workers, joint research on offshore wind, operating exchange student programs, and mutual personnel exchanges.
If an offshore wind industry cluster representing the Asia-Pacific region is established in Jeollanam-do, it will create significant synergies by combining research, development, and workforce training. We will strive to maintain a close partnership with Norway, Deep Wind Offshore, the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Mokpo National University, and Mokpo National Maritime University. With the objective of constructing a large-scale 30 GW offshore wind power project, Jeollanam-do is committed to creating quality jobs and building a vibrant region, Governor Kim Young-rok of Jeollanam-do said.
We are enthusiastic to take part in an agreement that sets the bar for multilateral development in offshore wind. Deep Wind Offshore is committed to the economic and social development in the regions where we operate. We believe bringing together cross sector expertise will benefit the industry in two of our core markets, CCO Hans Petter Øvrevik of Deep Wind Offshore said.
Deep Wind Offshore is currently developing two bottom fixed offshore wind projects in Yeosu and Wando County in Jeollanam-do. The projects are being developed together with joint venture partner bp, and each has a planned installed capacity of more than 1 GW. The Jeollanam-do province is aiming to become the leading center for offshore wind in South Korea. The province is planning for 8,25 GW offshore wind along its western coastline and is currently developing the most advanced offshore wind industry hub in the country. This includes South Korea’s first port dedicated to the installation, where Vestas plans to establish its first turbine production facility in the nation.
The progress in Jeollanam-do addresses the need for a skilled workforce and tailored technologies. The agreement will contribute by establishing educational programs for workforce development and joint research opportunities. These programs will leverage the expertise of industry partner Deep Wind Offshore, alongside educational institutions HVL, MNU, and MMU from South Korea and Norway.
Mokpo National University is a leading national university in Jeollanam-do. Operating multiple campuses in Mokpo, it educates students and professionals in various subjects from engineering to humanities. It is highly focused on strong research and training programs for offshore wind.
Mokpo Maritime University is one of the two national universities established by government of South Korea, specializing in maritime studies. Located in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, it has a 75 year of history, producing skilled sailors and maritime professionals in South Korea.
Western Norway University of Applied Science (HVL) operates five campuses along the Norwegian coast. In addition to public health and education, HVL focuses on fostering marine engineering, computer science, nautical operations, energy transition including wind, hydrogen and sun and responsible innovation. By engaging with local industries and international universities, HVL ensures regional relevance and international excellence to their education and research.
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