31 January 2024, Incheon | Incheon will host this year’s APAC Wind Energy Summit on 26-28 November 2024.

The thriving port city in South Korea has abundant potential for offshore wind development and provides the perfect setting for local, national and international groups to come together and drive the region’s offshore wind deployment. 

The APAC Wind Energy Summit is the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)’s flagship three-day wind energy conference and exhibition for the Asia Pacific region. First launched in August 2023 in Melbourne, Australia, the high-level summit brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and institutions to address market challenges and jointly develop solutions for accelerating wind energy development in APAC. 

Through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), GWEC, Incheon Tourism Organisation (ITO) and Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) affirm their joint commitment to facilitate the successful organisation of the summit. 

The signing of the MoU took place on 19 January at Songdo ConvensiA, Asia’s first LEED-certified MICE venue. Representing the agencies to sign the MoU were Stewart Mullin, COO of GWEC, Hyeon Baig, CEO of ITO, and Chang Wook Jung, Director of KTO.

In December 2023, at COP28, countries around the world pledged to triple renewable capacity by 2030. The summit will play a crucial role in translating that goal into action, particularly in APAC, a region which holds nearly half (49%) of the world’s 380 GW offshore wind potential. 

South Korea, a country bordered by three seas, is a key player in APAC for offshore wind and has committed to achieving a 21.6% share of renewables in its energy mix by 2030. It boasts a substantial potential for ocean wind power growth with a 2030 deployment target of 14.3 GW, making offshore wind development crucial for the nation to achieve its 2050 net-zero goals. 

In addition, the coastal areas of Incheon possess abundant wind resources making the city ideal for large-scale offshore wind development. The city’s port development plans further positions itself as a strategic centre for offshore wind development, promising long-term economic growth and jobs creation for local communities.  

With the support of KTO and ITO, the 2024 summit expects to draw over 3,500 international and local delegates in Incheon to discuss how the region can step on the pedal for wind power growth. 

GWEC is also actively engaging with local and international think tanks, energy associations, and climate action groups to forge collaborations aimed at delivering an outstanding summit. 

The APAC Wind Energy Summit 2024 will take place from 26-28 November at Songdo ConvensiA. Businesses, government entities and organisations who are interested in sponsoring, exhibiting or attending the summit can register their interests here: https://gwec.net/apac-wind-energy-summit-2024  

Stewart Mullin, COO, GWEC:  “South Korea boasts a huge offshore wind energy potential and GWEC sees the country as a key player in tripling renewables to meet the region’s net-zero goals. We are thrilled to partner with KTO and ITO for our second APAC Wind Energy Summit.”

“We chose Incheon as the host city for its close proximity to the international airport, state-of-the-art MICE facilities and easy access to a myriad of cultural experiences and recreational attractions offered by its vibrant tourism industry. We look forward to enabling delegates to create meaningful connections at the summit to rapidly advance wind power in APAC.”

Hyeon Baeg, CEO, ITO: “We hope the summit will serve as a starting point for accelerating the growth of the wind industry in South Korea, and further Asia-Pacific. To facilitate this, we will actively provide administrative and financial support for the success of the event, on behalf of Incheon city.”

Chang Wook Jung, Director, KTO: “KTO understands the importance of renewable energy in today’s climate crisis. We have been pushing to promote clean energy conventions and have contributed to the growth of South Korea’s renewable energy industry. We hope the APAC Wind Energy Summit 2024 will be a milestone event in shaping the growth of renewable energy in APAC.”