CEO works to introduce tidal power tech

Eun Hee-jin

By Jun Ji-hye

Eun Hee-jin, CEO of Korwind On-/Offshore Investment GmbH, a Hamburg-based company that focuses on the offshore energy production, has worked hard to bring the technology for generating power from tides to Korea.

Her efforts could bear fruit at the 7th World Water Forum which will take place from April 12 through 17 in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province.

Ekornergy, Korwind’s Korean corporation also headed by Eun, will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Netherlands-based tidal and river turbine manufacturer Tocardo International B.V. and Korean firm CharLotte Wiz E&C next Wednesday during the forum.

“Along with the signing ceremony, we will give a presentation to government officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport,” Eun said during a recent interview.

The MOA outlines an energy project to produce 1MW of energy from offshore areas in South Jeolla Province, which have been famous for its strong tides.

“I have been focused on securing suitable places where water turbines can be placed. Offshore areas of South Jeolla Province appeared to be the best places,” Eun said. “Tocardo has already set up water turbines in Japan.”

A total of 5 million euros will be invested in the project that will begin in January 2016, she said.

She noted that Paengmok Harbor near Jindo Island was among places cited for the project, but faced a setback in the wake of the deadly sinking of the ferry Sewol there on April 16 last year, leaving more than 300 people dead or missing.

“Compared to last year, the situation has become better as the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy gives more favors to those working to generate electric power from tidal currents,” she said.

Eun established Korwind in July 2011 to cover essential parts of the value chain of wind farm installation. Its core business includes trading Korean machinery and offering 24 hours after sale service through a business network in Europe and Korea, she said.

“Korwind has set up firm relationships with Korean industries as well as the German government and German firms,” she said. “To date, Korwind has been involved in several renewable energy projects in Germany, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Korea, Sweden, Turkey and Poland.”

The World Water Forum is held every three years to discuss creativity, innovation, and know-how.

About 20,000 people from international organizations, governments, public and private companies, universities and NGOs will participate in the forum.

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