MHI Vestas has signed a purchase agreement for locally made power supply equipment for its offshore wind activities in Taiwan.
The deal with Denmark-headquartered KK Wind Solutions covers power conversion module (PCM) assembly, as well as local manufacturing of low voltage cabinets and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.
KK Wind Solutions will build a factory in Taichung Harbour, where it will assemble the various components and products.
As part of KK Wind Solutions’ investment, local workers will be hired and trained to enable best-practice knowledge transfer for the highly technical offshore wind turbine components.
MHI Vestas chief supply chain officer Robert Borin said: “Signing this agreement for local PCM assembly, and additional local supply of highly specialised components such as low voltage cabinets and UPS systems, is a major step forward for offshore wind in Taiwan.
“A large purpose-built facility will bring clean energy jobs, industrial knowledge transfer, and an economic boost to the people of Taiwan.”
KK Wind Solutions will establish a local entity in Taiwan and engage local partners to ensure the first PCM delivery in the fourth quarter of 2021.
KK Wind Solutions chief technology and commercial officer Rene Balle said: “We are very pleased to be a strategic co-development partner with MHI Vestas.
“Being chosen as the supplier for the PCM manufacturing in Taiwan, we will enable a valuable and sustainable localisation setup to support the entire region.
“The level of professionalism and commitment we have experienced from MHI Vestas and the Taiwanese Government is simply remarkable.
“At KK Wind Solutions, we are now ready to take a leading role in establishing the knowledge base and manufacturing footprint to ensure the long-term success of the Taiwanese offshore wind industry. Together with our local Taiwanese partners, we will enable a wind-powered future.”
Contracts have now been signed by MHI Vestas in Taiwan for local supply of blades, 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.
More local supply chain contracts are planned for 2020, the turbine manufacturer said.