In Kyengsangbuk-do province, one Vestas 600 kW turbine has been installed at what is planned to be a 100 MW commercial wind farm. The turbine was built on Ulryong-do Island in the Sea of Japan, bringing the country's total operating capacity to just over 4 MW.
Meanwhile, the Chenrabuk-do provincial government plans to install two units of a 750 kW prototype machine this year at Sae Mann Keum, a 33 kilometre sea dike that is slated to become the site of a 300 MW wind farm. Already on site is a 60 kW VAWT/HAWT combined system, developed by KGERI and undergoing field testing. Shinn reports that domestic manufacturers lack skills and know-how, and KGERI is seeking a foreign business partner with experience.
Two more provinces have also planned wind farm projects, to be on-line by 2005. Kangwon-do has picked a spot at the Taeback Mountains, 600-800 metres above sea level, where the wind speed averages 9.3 m/s. Chung-chengbuk-do has meanwhile selected a location at Suhsan, on the coast of the Yellow Sea.
Follow us: