BlueFloat Energy has revealed the site location of its 180MW Winds of September Phase 1 offshore wind project to participate in the upcoming floating Demonstration Program, due to be launched by the Taiwanese government later in 2024.
Collaboration agreement between BlueFloat Energy and the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) for The Capacity Analysis of Taiwan Local Manufacturing Supply Chain for Floating Offshore Wind Mooring and Anchoring Systems has also been signed.
The Winds of September Phase 1 project, in development since 2021, will involve the installation of up to 12 floating platforms for expected capacity of 180MW.
The site is located approximately 23 kilometres offshore from Hsinchu City.
An energy yield assessment was conducted, informed by the floating lidar deployment campaign launched in March 2023.
Together with a comprehensive environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) process and geophysical surveys to assess key environmental constraints and soil conditions, these efforts have guided the selection and layout design of the project site.
BlueFloat Energy’s approach includes both desktop studies and on-site investigations as well as on-the-ground stakeholder engagement.
This demonstrates its commitment to rigorous site- specific analysis and ensuring opportunities for cooperation with local communities, including the collaboration with Hsinchu Fishermen Association for the guard vessel support for its FliDAR Campaign, BlueFloat said.
BlueFloat Energy country manager for Taiwan Michael Pinkerton said: “The score rankings for the Round 3-2 have been released, marking Taiwan’s readiness for entering the era of floating wind.
“However, timing is critical for successful development: announcing the feed-in tariff and selection rules in third quarter-fourth quarter 2024 will give developers the opportunity to conduct site investigations during the 2025 weather window, allowing a commercial operation date by 2030.”
The collaboration with MIRDC leverages the center’s expertise in advancing Taiwan’s offshore wind supply chain, and their years of experience assisting local suppliers in overcoming challenges and aligning with international standards for constructing bottom-fixed offshore wind farms, BlueFloat added.
Combined with BlueFloat Energy’s deep technical expertise in floating wind technology and its global development track record, this partnership aims to assess and support the development of local supply chains particularly for floating wind technologies.
This will start with the Demonstration Program, which will identify and evaluate 15 potential suppliers for the mooring and anchoring systems through site visits.
MIRDC chairman Lin Jenyi said: “This collaboration focuses on assessing the capabilities of the 1st and 2nd tiers of Taiwanese suppliers in key packages of floating foundations particularly.
“This cooperation with BlueFloat Energy marks an important first step for local enterprises in preparing themselves for supplying floating wind projects.
“MIRDC looks forward to enhancing technical capabilities and promoting industry cooperation together with BlueFloat Energy.”
The collaboration with the MIRDC is intended to demonstrate BlueFloat Energy’s commitment to emphasize the continuity between the Demonstration Program and future commercial stage.
Through the Winds of September Phase 1 project, the adjustments in maritime engineering, port operations, and the supply chain can be delivered early, given Taiwan’s unique natural environment and regulatory conditions, the developer said.
This will serve as a foundation for the Winds of September – Phase 2 for participating in Zonal Development R3-3 bidding.
The ultimate goal is to accomplish large-scale commercial development of floating technology in Taiwan in order to achieve the country’s offshore wind installation targets for 2035, as the potential for bottom-fixed projects is nearly exhausted, BlueFloat added.