By
Nathalia Duarte
October 16, 2025
Updated
November 6, 2025
Asia Pacific is reshaping the global offshore wind energy landscape. The region became the world’s largest market in 2020 for new installations and in 2022 for total capacity, fuelled by massive investments in China, according to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).
While China leads in scale, countries like South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Australia are expanding their offshore wind power ambitions, signalling a major shift towards clean energy.
GWEC projects APAC will deliver 60% of the 350 GW of new offshore wind capacity expected by 2034.
In this article, we explore what’s driving this growth, the jobs it’s creating, and the flagship projects and companies shaping the future of renewable energy in Asia.
Job creation trends within renewable energy
In their latest Global Renewables Outlook, IRENA predicts the following:
- 42 million jobs will be created across renewable energy by 2050
- The number of global wind jobs will rise by 600% to 6 million between 2017–2050
- 60% of all employed energy professionals will be in Asia
There is also positive news for workplace diversity. IRENA estimates the current balance of gender participation to be 35% female in wind jobs.
By comparison, only 22% of the conventional energy field is female. This will benefit sector innovation, productivity, and business performance.
Which regions will create the most renewable energy jobs in the future?
IRENA anticipates that the majority of jobs will be created in Asia by 2050, with over half of all energy professionals located in the region. Solar and wind will be the most populated sectors. Bioenergy will be a driver of job creation in Southeast Asia and emerging markets like Latin America and Africa. Wind and hydro will be popular sectors in Europe.
Figure 1: An estimated 42 million renewable energy jobs will be created globally by 2050 (International Renewable Energy Agency - Global Renewables Outlook)
What is driving the increase in offshore wind farm projects?
Meeting the Paris Climate Goals demands rapid progress across all sectors, with wind and solar leading the shift to clean energy. By 2050, onshore and offshore wind could supply 35% of global electricity, making it the dominant power source.
While most wind farms are still onshore, offshore investment is accelerating. Countries are launching their first projects, updating regulations, improving the supply chain and awarding new capacity. This scenario has driven:
- Record auctions: 56 GW of offshore capacity awarded globally in 2024
- Upcoming tenders: 100 GW expected between 2025 and 2026
- Strong growth: Average annual expansion of 28% through 2029 and 15% through 2034
- Rising installations: Over 30 GW by 2030 and 50 GW by 2033, a huge leap from 8 GW in 2024
This surge could boost offshore wind’s share of new installations from 7% today to about 25%.
Figure 2: Factors driving increased investment in offshore wind
The IEA predicts that spending in offshore wind will increase by 13% a year and become a $1 trillion business by 2040. Several key factors drive this:
- Increasing government support and policy commitments to reducing emissions and ensuring energy security
- Community acceptance reducing opposition
- Efficiency gains: Capacity factors now 40–50%, approaching coal
- Turbine evolution: From 0.05 MW in the 1980s to 16 MW today
- Synergies with oil and gas for shared infrastructure
- Cost reductions: Operating costs down 55% by 2030
- Digital innovation: operations and maintenance costs cut 40% by 2040
- Industry consolidation: Mergers and acquisitions are creating stronger players with deeper resources
Which offshore wind power jobs are in demand?
In 2023, the wind energy sector was responsible for 1.46 million jobs worldwide. Increasing investment in offshore wind will create a buoyant job market for technicians and engineers.
We are currently seeing a lot of demand for the following roles and skill sets:
- Development Manager
- Project Management
- Wind Farm Construction Representatives – Offshore and Onshore
- Wind Jacket Installation Engineer
- Wind Technicians
- Wind Turbine Engineer
- Grid Connection Specialist
- Operations and Maintenance
- Client Representative – Electrical
- Client Representative – Civil Works
Airswift is working with several developers, contractors, and consultancies to hire permanent employees and contractors with these skill sets.
What is the size of the offshore wind market in Asia?
Asia has 1,500 GW of technical offshore wind potential. In 2024, investments reached $50 billion, and APAC accounted for 64.6% of global offshore wind installations.
From 2025 to 2034, the region is projected to add 215 GW of new capacity, led by China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.
Achieving this growth will require robust local supply chains, skilled workforces, and strong political commitment and cooperation.
Figure 3: Offshore Wind Installed from 2024 to 2034 (Global Wind Energy Council - Global Offshore Wind Report 2025)
10 key offshore wind projects in Asia
Asia is rapidly becoming the epicentre of offshore wind development. Across six key Asian Pacific countries, mentioned below, 118 projects are planned through 2030, representing a combined investment of $178 billion.
In this section, Airswift highlights 10 offshore wind power projects that showcase Asia’s boom and the companies behind them.
- Offshore Wind Farm Tianjin (CTGNE) Phase 1
- Offshore Wind Farm Hibikinada
- Floating Offshore Wind Farm Goto
- Floating Offshore Wind Farm Northern Luzon
- Jeju Hallim Wind Power
- Offshore Wind Farm Yeonggwang Nakwol
- Changhua 2b and 4 Offshore Wind Farms
- Hai Long 2 & 3 Offshore Wind Platform
- Bac Lieu Offshore Wind Farm Phase 3
- Intertidal Offshore Wind Farm Ben Tre 2
China
China leads the global offshore wind market with 41 GW installed by 2024, nearly half of global capacity. The country is shifting to deep-water projects and floating wind, supported by new regulations and a market-based pricing system.
Backed by the world’s largest supply chain and advanced technology, including 26 MW turbines, China is expected to add 165 GW by 2034, reinforcing its leadership and driving its “30-60” carbon goals.
Offshore Wind Farm Tianjin (CTGNE) Phase 1
- Location: Tianjin
- Details: China Three Gorges New Energy Corp is building a 1GW offshore wind facility in Tianjin’s industrial zone on China’s northeast coast. The $3 billion project is being developed in phases. The first one includes 24 turbines with a combined capacity of 204 MW, expected to generate 600 GWh annually. The electricity will power the petrochemical industry in the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area.
- Operations begin: 2026
Japan
Japan is ramping up offshore wind development, awarding over 1 GW in 2024 and targeting 10 GW by 2030 and 45 GW by 2040. New policies and the upcoming Exclusive Economic Zone Bill will unlock deep-water sites, paving the way for floating wind projects.
With auction reforms, strong R&D partnerships, and government support, Japan is positioning itself as a regional leader in offshore wind and floating technology.
- Location: Fukuoka
- Details: Hibiki Wind Energy is developing a 220 MW offshore wind farm 10 km off Kitakyushu Port. The $1.5 billion project will feature 25 turbines rated at 9.6 MW each, spanning 2,700 hectares.
- Operations begin: 2026
- Location: Nagasaki
- Details: Goto City Offshore Wind Power Generation LLC is developing a floating offshore wind farm with a total capacity of 16.8 MW. The project will use eight 2.1 MW turbines and one 5.2 MW turbine mounted on semi-submersible platforms. It spans 25.8 km² with water depths up to 150 metres and carries an estimated cost of $80 million.
- Operations begin: 2026
Philippines
The Philippines is emerging as a major offshore wind market, with 178 GW of technical potential and 65 GW of awarded sites. In 2025, the country launched its first offshore wind auction, offering 3.3 GW for delivery by 2030, signalling a shift to competitive auctions to attract investment.
While infrastructure and environmental challenges remain, strong policy support and stakeholder collaboration position the Philippines as a key player in Asia’s offshore wind future.
Floating Offshore Wind Farm Northern Luzon
- Location: Ilocos Norte Province
- Details: Buhawind Energy Northern Luzon Corporation, a joint-venture between PetroGreen and Copenhagen Energy, is developing a 2 GW offshore wind farm off the coasts of Burgos and Pagudpud. The $4 billion project will feature up to 133 turbines, each with a capacity of 15-20 MW, and has already secured government approval.
- Operations begin: 2030
South Korea
South Korea aims for 14.3 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and is shifting to a centralised, government-led model with competitive auctions under the Offshore Wind Power Promotion Act. Over 2 GW has been allocated through recent auctions, supported by 20-year PPAs.
Although installed capacity remains under 0.2 GW, grid expansion, floating wind development, and stronger international partnerships are set to accelerate growth and position South Korea as a key offshore wind player in Asia.
Jeju Hallim Wind Power
- Location: Jeju Island
- Details: A 100 MW offshore wind farm is being developed 5 km off Jeju Island’s northwest coast. Operated by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and Korea Midland Power Co. (KOMIPO), with Hyundai Engineering Company (HEC) as a stakeholder, the $516 million project will feature eight turbines rated at 5.56 MW each.
- Operations begin: 2025
- Location: Yeonggwang county, Jeollanam-do Province
- Details: Myeongwoon Industrial Development Co., in partnership with B Grimm Power PCL and Korea Western Power Co., is developing a $1.5 billion offshore wind farm with a capacity of 364.8 MW. The project will feature 64 turbines rated at 5.7 MW each, and the generated power will be sold to Korea Southern Power.
- Operations begin: 2026
Taiwan
Taiwan has installed over 3 GW of offshore wind, making it the second-largest market in Asia Pacific. While it may miss its 5.6 GW target for 2025, new auction rounds are driving growth, with 2.7 GW awarded in 2024.
After removing local content rules, Taiwan is attracting more international players. Looking ahead, 14 GW of new capacity is expected by 2034, securing Taiwan’s role as a key offshore wind hub in the region.
Changhua 2b and 4 Offshore Wind Farms
- Location: Da Changhua (Greater Changhua) Development Zone, Changhua County
- Details: Led by Danish innovator Ørsted, the Changhua 2b and 4 projects are part of what will be Taiwan’s largest offshore wind complex. Phases 1 and 2a were completed in 2024, delivering 900 MW of capacity and creating 8,300 direct and indirect jobs. Scheduled for 2026, Changhua 2b and 4 will add 337.1 MW and 582.9 MW, respectively. The combined investment exceeds $1 billion.
- Operations begin: 2026
Hai Long 2 & 3 Offshore Wind Platform
- Location: Changhua County
- Details: The $6.9 billion Hai Long project will deliver up to 1,022 MW of offshore wind in waters 35–55 metres deep. Phase one will install 14 MW turbines for 300 MW, followed by a second phase adding 744 MW, for a total of 73 turbines. All power will be sold to Taiwan Power Company under a 20-year agreement. The project includes three grid allocations: Hai Long 2a (294 MW), 2b (224 MW), and 3 (504 MW). Operated by Northland Power Inc., Yushan Energy, Mitsui & Co., and Gentari, it has created over 5,000 jobs throughout its lifecycle.
- Operations begin: 2027
Vietnam
Vietnam is preparing for large-scale offshore wind deployment, targeting 6–17 GW between 2030 and 2035 under the Revised Power Development Plan VIII. Recent legal reforms and new rules for seabed allocation aim to attract investment, while competitive auctions and bankable PPAs, expected by 2026, will complete the regulatory framework.
With strong wind resources and rising energy demand, Vietnam is set to become one of Asia’s most dynamic offshore wind markets.
- Location: Bac Lieu province
- Details: Operated by Super Energy Corp PCL and Cong Ly Construction Co., Phase 3 of the Bac Lieu project will add 141 MW to the existing 99 MW wind farm in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. The $391 million expansion will feature 47 turbines rated at 3 MW each, generating an average of 373 million kWh annually. Once complete, Bac Lieu will have a total capacity of 240 MW.
- Project begins: 2027
- Location: Ben Tre province
- Details: This $170 million project will build an 80 MW intertidal offshore wind farm 1 km off Thanh Hai commune. Operated by Nexif Energy and Ratch Group Public Company, the project will be completed in two phases, 30 MW and 50 MW, with 19 turbines rated at 4.5 MW each. All output will be sold to Vietnam Electricity Corporation under a 20-year agreement.
- Project begins: 2029
Airswift can help you overcome the sector's biggest challenge
Access to skilled talent is critical for offshore wind energy success. Recruiting, training, and mobilising expertise, especially in emerging markets, is essential as demand for specialists from Europe, particularly the UK, Denmark, and Germany, continues to rise.
With 60+ offices worldwide, 1,000 employees, and 9,000 contractors, Airswift has placed permanent and contract personnel across all wind energy disciplines. As a world-leading green recruitment company, we are committed to supporting the energy transition.
Our offices in China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and more connect international talent to major wind projects. Our dedicated consultants support clients through every stage of the onshore and offshore wind lifecycle.
