Ørsted has completed the installation of all 66 suction bucket jacket foundations at its Greater Changhua 2b and 4 offshore wind farms in Taiwan, marking a significant milestone in the development of the 920MW project. The final foundation was installed this week, concluding the programme ahead of schedule after the first installation took place in April. Heerema Marine Contractors, the firm tasked with the installation, navigated narrow weather windows and challenging sea conditions, including Typhoon Danas, which tested the stability of previously installed jackets and turbines.
“Our frontline team swiftly regrouped and resumed offshore work, making the most of every suitable weather window to keep the project moving forward,” Ørsted stated on LinkedIn. The developer emphasized the success of this large-scale deployment of suction bucket jacket technology in the Asia-Pacific region, noting its near-silent and low-disturbance installation characteristics. This achievement underscores the growing maturity of offshore wind technology and its adaptability to diverse and demanding environments.
With the foundations now in place, Ørsted is shifting focus to turbine installation and cable laying. Safety and weather conditions remain critical factors guiding these operations. The completion of the foundation phase ahead of schedule suggests a positive trajectory for the project, potentially influencing the pace of future offshore wind developments in the region. The successful deployment of suction bucket jacket technology could also encourage its adoption in other projects, particularly in areas with similar environmental and logistical challenges.
This milestone comes at a time when Taiwan is positioning itself as a hub for offshore wind energy in Asia. The Greater Changhua project is a key component of Taiwan’s ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The project’s progress could serve as a model for other developers in the region, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale offshore wind farms in typhoon-prone areas. As the sector continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this project may shape the future of offshore wind development, both in terms of technology and project management.