Denmark and Korea have had a cooperation on renewable energy development and ways towards a green transition since November 2018, primarily focusing on offshore wind development, especially regulatory framework and industry development.

Green energy transition

Korea aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 compared to 2018-levels and become carbon neutral by 2050. The ambitious political goal of constructing 12 gigawatt offshore wind by 2030 is central to reaching the emissions reduction target – and the potential for offshore wind is huge with Korea’s more than 2400 km of coastline.

In order to reach the 12 gigawatt offshore wind target, the government will focus on strengthening regulatory framework conditions for developing offshore wind and increasing acceptance from local residents and fishermen.

Cooperation areas

The cooperation between the Danish Energy Agency and Korea Energy Agency focusses on exchanging knowhow, lessons learnt and experiences within offshore wind. Particularly the removal of regulatory barriers for expansion and development of the offshore wind industry in Korea, through de-risking the process by creating stable and transparent long-term policy, consistent and thorough maritime spatial planning, high public acceptance, etc.

The program is working towards including green hydrogen/Power-to-X where the Korean experience may serve as inspiration for the development of a green hydrogen sector in Denmark, and in particular the Danish Energy Islands. Korea is a pioneer within hydrogen and in 2019 presented an ambitious ‘Hydrogen Economy Roadmap’ towards 2040.  The Danish-Korean cooperation benefits and supports the green transition in both countries.