Taiwan Offshore Wind Project for Van Oord
Van Oord has been designated as preferred contractor for a large 640MW offshore wind project in Taiwan. By obtaining this contract, Van Oord has taken a firm first step on the Asian offshore wind market.
This Yunlin project has a contract value of approximately EUR 500 million. The Yunlin offshore wind project is being developed by German project developer wpd. Van Oord is responsible for the design, manufacturing, and installation of the 80 foundations. Preparations for the windfarm, which will be constructed 8km off the coast of the Yunlin prefecture, start immediately. The offshore wind strategy of Taiwan is driven by the desire to phase out nuclear energy. 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 5.5GW of offshore wind projects by 2025. The Yunlin project is part of the Taiwanese government’s feed-in tariff (FIT) programme. This means that it is connected to the Taiwan network, with a long-term power contract of twenty years. In 2020, about 350MW must be connected to the grid, with the remaining part following in 2021.
In Asia, and especially in Taiwan, large investments are being made in offshore wind. The Yunlin project is a great opportunity for Van Oord to demonstrate its expertise outside of Europe. Financial Close is expected at the end of 2018. The first foundations will be available for installation at the start of 2020. The installation period will also take place in 2020. Monopiles, scour protection, transition pieces, and turbines will be installed in succession. The Yunlin project is the first Van Oord offshore wind project in Taiwan and also its first wind contract outside of Europe. Taiwan is somewhat familiar territory due to previous dredging and offshore projects.