Ørsted’s commencement of offshore construction for the Greater Changhua 2b and 4 wind farms in Taiwan marks a pivotal moment in the region’s energy transition. This project, awarded to Ørsted in 2018, is set to deliver 920MW of clean energy, significantly bolstering Taiwan’s renewable energy portfolio. The use of piling-free suction bucket jacket foundation technology is a game-changer, reducing environmental impact and installation time. This innovative approach could reshape industry standards, pushing other developers to adopt similar technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
The project’s 20-year corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with a corporate customer is a testament to Ørsted’s industry-leading technical expertise and extensive experience. This agreement not only secures a stable revenue stream but also sets a benchmark for long-term partnerships between businesses and the renewable energy industry. The CPPA model, which is relatively new in the offshore wind sector, could gain traction as more companies seek to secure clean energy sources and hedge against volatile energy prices.
The Greater Changhua 2b and 4 wind farms are expected to be fully operational by 2026, adding almost 2GW of offshore wind capacity to Taiwan’s grid. This will be sufficient to power two million households, significantly contributing to the country’s goal of achieving 20GW of offshore wind capacity by 2025. The project’s scale and innovative technology could accelerate Taiwan’s energy transition, inspiring other countries in the region to follow suit.
The Greater Changhua 2b and 4 wind farms are located between 35km and 60km offshore Changhua County, covering an area of 185km² with water depths ranging from 23.8 to 44.1 metres. The use of 66 Siemens Gamesa 14-236 DD wind turbines, each with a capacity of 14MW, underscores the project’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to maximise energy output. The turbines’ high capacity and efficiency could set new standards for offshore wind projects, driving innovation in the sector.
The commencement of offshore construction for the Greater Changhua 2b and 4 wind farms is a significant milestone for Ørsted and the offshore wind industry. The project’s innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and commitment to sustainability could reshape the sector, driving innovation and accelerating the global energy transition. As Ørsted continues to push the boundaries of offshore wind technology, the industry can expect to see more groundbreaking projects that challenge norms and spark debate.
