MHI Vestas has signed a memorandum of understanding with developers Northland Power and Yushan Energy to supply turbines to the 300MW Hai Long wind farm off Taiwan.
The turbine manufacturer also has first refusal for the procurement for a further 744MW of turbines by 2025 to the partnership under the agreement.
The MOU sets the foundation for pursuing a preferred supplier agreement between the Hai Long developers and MHI Vestas, Yushan and Northland said.
“This MOU with MHI Vestas represents an important next step in the development of the Hai Long projects, and for Taiwan’s offshore wind market,” said Northland Power chief executive Mike Crawley.
“MHI Vestas is demonstrating their commitment to investing in Taiwan’s local supply chain, and we look forward to helping them strengthen these investments.
“Northland and MHI Vestas have a proven track record from our collaboration in Europe. We are pleased to expand this relationship into Taiwan, and to support the achievement of Taiwan’s renewable energy objectives through world class expertise and technology.”
Meanwhile, MHI Vestas is hiring 50 new staff to boost production capacity at its Lindoe nacelle factory in Denmark.
The new hires will include production line workers and engineers, the company said. It will also instigate efficiency measures at the facility to help increase production.
Expansion plans will also see an additional 10,000 square metres of factory space and 27,000 square metres of storage for completed nacelles. MHI Vestas said this will effectively double the physical footprint at Lindoe.
It has also extended its lease agreement with the Lindoe port of Odense to eight years.
MHI Vestas vice president of nacelles Claus Ungstrup said: “In addition to the recruitment of 50 new employees, we are implementing new testing schemes at the plant that are designed to increase the rate of production as well as improve the quality of the assembled nacelle.”
“This next phase of production will allow us to meet demand and do so more efficiently.”
MHI Vestas chief manufacturing officer Robert Borin said: “Offshore wind is in the midst of explosive growth around the world with governments from Taiwan, the US, Japan, and many others declaring an appetite for more offshore wind.
“Despite the complexity this brings, we are unwavering in our commitment to the highest standards of excellence in our manufacturing business and this new phase at Lindoe is a testimony to that commitment.”