Van Oord has been designated as preferred contractor for a large 640 MW offshore wind project in Taiwan, enabling the company to take a firm first step towards entering the Asian offshore wind market.
The Yunlin offshore wind project is being developed by German project developer wpd, with Van Oord being responsible for the design, manufacturing and installation of the wind farm’s eighty foundations. Preparations for the construction of the facility, to be located eight kilometres off the coast of the Yunlin prefecture, are being made immediately.
The offshore wind strategy in Taiwan is being driven by a desire to phase out nuclear power. High wind speeds, manageable distances in terms of coastal and water depth and a progressive government policy make offshore wind an attractive energy alternative. The aim of the Taiwanese government is to install 5.5 GW of offshore wind projects by 2025. The Yunlin project is covered by the Taiwanese government’s feed-in tariff (FIT) programme, enabling it to feed power into the Taiwan network covered by a long-term power contract of 20 years.
The Taiwanese government are aiming to connect about 350 MW to the grid by 2020, with the remaining portion following in 2021.
“In Asia, and especially in Taiwan, large investments are being made in offshore wind” said CEO Pieter van Oord. “The Yunlin project is a great opportunity for Van Oord to show our expertise outside Europe. We look forward to working with our local partners to enable the energy transition of Taiwan”.
Financial Close is expected at the end of 2018. The first foundations will be available for installation at the beginning of 2020, when installation will commence, consisting of monopiles, scour protection, transition pieces and turbines in succession.
The Yunlin project is the first Van Oord offshore wind project in Taiwan and also its first wind contract outside Europe. However, the company is experienced in dredging and other offshore projects in Taiwanese waters. At the end of 2017, Van Oord also completed one of Taiwan’s largest land reclamation projects.
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