Wind power generation offers the advantages of zero carbon emissions, stable electricity supply, and coexistence with local communities. Recently, a company has been opening new horizons in the domestic wind power industry and creating a fresh wave in renewable energy. That company is KAI Energy Group Co., Ltd. Since its establishment in 2008, this company has grown on two pillars: renewable energy and real estate development, establishing itself as a game-changer in the energy industry.

At the center of this is the innovative challenge of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Zaun Community Wind Power Plant Co., Ltd. in Jaeun-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do. Having successfully commenced commercial operation of the first phase with 29.4 MW out of a total of 40 MW, and with the second phase of 10.6 MW under development, Zaun Community Wind Power Plant is the nation's first resident-participatory onshore wind power plant. It has introduced an entirely new structure that goes beyond simple power production to share profits with local residents, establishing a model of coexistence with the community.

CEO Lim Jae-gyeom (pictured) stated, “There were numerous trials and errors from financial negotiations to profit structure design and stakeholder coordination due to the lack of precedents in the country, but through this process, we accumulated practical know-how and created a new model from scratch.” This achievement was recognized with the Forbes Social Contribution Award in May and the Minister of SMEs and Startups Award in July, being evaluated as a case that presents a new paradigm for the onshore wind power industry in Korea.

KAI Energy Group's vision is set on a larger stage. Currently, it is promoting onshore wind projects in Boseong, Jeollanam-do, wind projects in Geoje, and offshore wind projects in Yeosu. In June, it signed an MOU with 22 cities and counties in Jeollanam-do to lay the foundation for the creation of a wind power ecosystem and coexistence with local communities.

The systematic organization of subsidiaries within the group is also noteworthy. This enables the company to directly carry out the entire process from renewable energy development to real estate development permits and operations. Additionally, with a landscaping company with 39 years of experience and a general construction company as parent companies, it provides a foundation for co-growth with local communities, encompassing not only wind and other renewable energy generation but also landscaping and infrastructure.

CEO Lim emphasized, “Energy development projects are comprehensive arts with multitasking as the core,” adding, “We have completed a one-stop system from development, design, construction, to operation by organically connecting subsidiaries.”

KAI Energy Group plans to expand its business areas beyond onshore wind to offshore wind and wave power generation through research and development, aiming for the ultimate goal of becoming the 'representative energy company of Korea.' CEO Lim expressed his ambition, stating, “We will continue to find answers in the field and pioneer a new path for the development of renewable energy in Korea.”

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