Partnership between the giants Hyundai and GE Renewable Energy in the manufacture of the largest wind turbines in the world will be essential for Korea to reach 12 gigawatts of clean energy by 2030.

Hyundai Electric, an electrical systems spin-off of South Korean shipbuilding giant Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., announced at the end of December which signed a “strategic partnership to enter the offshore wind market” with giant turbine manufacturer GE Renewable Energy.

The contract signing event was attended by Hyundai Electric President Cho Seok, GE Renewable Energy Offshore Wind CCO Fabrice Kermogant, US Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg and Deputy Minister of Commerce, Industry and Power Park Il-joon.

The two companies will collaborate in the production and commercialization of offshore wind energy products in the domestic and overseas markets, and will help support the Korea to reach its target of nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

Hyundai will manufacture generators, equipment and parts to equip the largest wind turbine on the planet, GE's Haliade-X

Hyundai will be responsible for the production of generators, which are key components of the company's giant wind turbine. GE called Haliade-X.

It will also promote the manufacture of various equipment and parts.

Turbine maker GE will cooperate with Hyundai in securing orders from domestic and foreign customers and help support Korea achieve its target of nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

The two parties also signed a letter of intent to establish a joint venture (JV) which will support order taking efforts to expand the offshore wind turbine market.

Korea wants to reduce the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power

In an effort to reduce the use of fossil fuels and nuclear energy for electricity generation, the South Korea is gradually switching to renewable energy sources. The Seoul government has endorsed a number of projects to build clean energy facilities, including solar power plants and wind farms, on land and offshore.

Recently, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy announced plans to create a 12 gigawatt offshore wind power cluster in Korea by 2030.

“By incorporating GE's global know-how and technology into our operations, we will increase our competitiveness to win more orders,” said Hyundai President Cho Seok.