Two recently signed agreements for the installation of offshore turbines along Taiwan’s western coastline are expected to significantly boost national wind power generating capacity, according to the ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs Oct. 28.
Concluded between the MOEA and local firms Formosa Wind Power Ltd. and Fuhai Wind Farm Corp., the deals will see four to six offshore wind turbines set up before 2015 for testing. By 2020, FWP is expected to have 36 units in place off the coast of Miaoli County, while FWF is set to install 30 off the coast of Changhua County.
MOEA Deputy Minister Duh Tyzz-jiun said the initiative will spur development of related sectors such as marine engineering and maintenance services, promote investment estimated at NT$15 billion (US$508.47 million) to NT$22.5 billion, as well as create over 9,500 jobs.
“It is envisioned that the initiative will also facilitate development of offshore wind farms around Taiwan and serve as a successful example for other countries in Asia mulling similar projects,” Duh said.
According to the deputy minister, the agreements are part of the MOEA’s wind power energy development project, which should see 450 and 600 onshore and offshore wind turbines set up, respectively, nationwide by 2030.
With a forecast combined capacity of 4,200 megawatts, the facilities will account for at least 33 percent of Taiwan’s renewable energy capacity and generate NT$500 billion in sector output. At the same time, they are moving the government closer to achieving its goal of transforming Taiwan into a nuclear-free homeland.
Duh said that although Taiwan boasts some of the best sites in the world for wind farms, the country remains on the threshold of realizing its wind power potential.
“Strict environmental assessments, typhoons and undersea cable construction projects are just some of the challenges that must be addressed as Taiwan continues developing this potential-laden source of renewable energy,” he said.
