South Korea mandates safety checks for wind farms over 20 years old after fatal fire

In response to a fatal fire at a wind power facility in Yeongdeok in March, the South Korean government has announced new measures to strengthen safety management for aging wind turbines.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy revealed a plan to mandate safety assessments every three years for wind power facilities that have been in operation for over 20 years. This initiative, part of the "Comprehensive Management Enhancement Plan for Onshore Wind Power," aims to reduce accidents and increase public acceptance of renewable energy projects. The plan covers the entire lifecycle of wind power, from design and operation to maintenance and disposal.

Under the new system, wind power facilities over 20 years old will undergo rigorous safety evaluations by external expert institutions. The Korea Electrical Safety Corporation will then grade these facilities as A, B, or C. Facilities receiving an A grade can continue operation without additional measures. B-grade facilities will be allowed to operate with required repairs and reinforcements. However, C-grade facilities will face operational suspension and must undergo demolition procedures following a review by the Electricity Committee.

Failure to comply with safety assessments or demolition orders will result in the revocation of operating permits. Previously, there were no specific safety checks for aging wind turbines beyond routine inspections. As of this year, 80 out of 816 onshore wind turbines in South Korea, approximately 6%, have exceeded their 20-year operational lifespan. This number is projected to triple to 208 by 2030.

The government will also standardize minimum distance requirements for wind turbines through the Renewable Energy Act and establish a real-time remote management system for wind facilities within the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation. Additionally, safety guidelines for maintenance workers will be developed, considering the specific characteristics of wind power equipment. These measures come after a series of accidents, including the March fire that killed three workers and a tower collapse in Yeongdeok the previous month.

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Onshore wind power is important in the renewable energy expansion policy. We will establish a management system that covers the entire process from power generation design to operation, maintenance, and disposal/recycling to reduce accidents and increase resident acceptance.