Equinor selects RPS as ESIA consultant for their South Korea Firefly wind farm project

RPS is delighted to have been chosen as Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) consultant for the proposed ‘Firefly’ project, a floating offshore wind development off Ulsan, South Korea.   

Firefly will be capable of generating an estimated 800 MW, contributing to South Korea’s Green New Deal ambitions to expand offshore wind capacity to 12 GW by 2030. The Firefly project is being developed by Equinor; RPS and Equinor are both committed to South Korea’s potential as an important, growing market for floating offshore wind. 

RPS will conduct Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Firefly project – a vital stage early in the project’s development to identify and evaluate the project potential impacts on the natural and human environment. Our experience and deep understanding of the development process will ensure compliance with both local regulations and international financing standards. 

Sam (Sangmok) Roh, RPS Country Manager, South Korea, said, “We’re excited by the prospect of supporting the Equinor team on such a prestigious project. Our team has a proven track record of delivering offshore wind consents: between us, we have the expertise, the resources and the local knowledge to overcome any challenges the project may encounter.”  

Helping to tailor consents to Korean requirements, via the Local EIA, will be RPS’ local delivery partner, Sekwang Engineering Consultants. Sekwang’s team includes highly experienced local EIA experts, as well as providing broad expertise and rich experience in maritime engineering and infrastructure. 

Alun Williams, RPS Global Offshore Renewables Director, commented, “RPS has fielded a strong team with a robust approach to support consenting for this important stage of the Firefly project. Our work on the ESIA will support Equinor to progress their plans for the project and is a natural progression from our previous work together in the region.”  

RPS previously partnered with Equinor at an earlier stage of the Firefly project, delivering two Floating LiDAR buoys to collect data for a feasibility study. The data is being used to investigate the viability of wind resource as part of examining the case for future investment.  

Interested in joining our team in South Korea? We are currently recruiting and are always keen to hear from talented and well-qualified EIA specialists. Click here to learn more.