MHI Vestas is to source transformer technology from Hitachi ABB Power Grids for Taiwanese offshore wind farms using key components from Shihlin Electric & Engineering Corporation’s (SEEC’s) facility in Hsinchu County, Taiwan.
The turbine manufacturer said the deal means the company is continuing to deliver on its ambitious localisation plan.
The WindStar transformer technology will converts electricity to a higher voltage (66kV) for long range transmission to shore and will be used at the Changfang Phase 2, Xidao and Zhong Neng projects.
SEEC business group chief operations officer Yang Tsun-Ching said the first deliveries of transformers will be in 2022.
“We are grateful for the support of Hitachi ABB Power Grids in this collaboration. They have been critical in ensuring the development of machinery for producing transformers in Taiwan and ensuring we have world-class equipment,” Yang added.
MHI Vestas Taiwan business director Maida Zahirovic said: “As offshore wind comes to Taiwan, so too does top-of-the-line technology transfer.
“High voltage transformers are vital to ensuring that maximum electricity output reaches end consumers in Taiwan.
“The collaboration between Hitachi ABB Power Grids and SEEC means that world-class production is being set up locally for a critical component in the certified V174 platform.”
Hitachi ABB Power Grids Taiwan head Lisa Wen said: “We are pleased to be working with MHI Vestas on delivering their V174 platform offshore Taiwan.
“ABB has participated in Taiwan’s industrial development for the past 30 years, now we are excited to see new clean energy transition and we support Taiwan localisation policy.
“It is a challenge to set up a manufacturing hub in a new market, but we are pleased to be working with SEEC and are hopeful of continued volume on the current technology platforms.”
Changfang and Xidao (CFXD) wind farm chief development officer Marina Hsu said: “CFXD windfarm will be the first to employ MHI Vestas wind turbines with HV transformers from Hitachi ABB Power Grids and SEEC.
“We are proud to lead the establishment of a bankable, insurable and sustainable local wind turbine supply chain with MHI Vestas and committed Taiwanese suppliers.”
Contracts have now been signed by MHI Vestas in Taiwan for local supply of blades, transformer, blade materials – bonding glue, resin, pultruded carbon plates – towers, switchgear, rotor hubs, hub plates, nacelle base frames, low voltage cabinets, UPS systems and PCM assembly with further local supply chain contracts planned for 2020.