MHI Vestas has agreed a purchase agreement with Mitsubishi Electric Europe to source switchgear for upcoming offshore wind farms in Taiwan through the participation of local Taiwanese manufacturer Shihlin Electric and Engineering Corporation (SEEC).
The deal is expected to enable Mitsubishi Electric and SEEC to build expertise through supplying MHI Vestas’ Taiwanese offshore wind projects to prepare for potential export to the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Assembly and testing of the 66kV switchgear will be done at SEEC’s factory in Hsinchu, with first delivery in 2022 for projects to be installed in 2023 and 2024.
MHI Vestas said it is the first offshore wind turbine manufacturer to source high voltage switchgear from within Taiwan.
It added that in collaboration with developers Copenhagen Investment Partners (CIP) and China Steel Corporation (CSC), the company has developed and is in the process of delivering a supply chain localisation plan for offshore wind projects in Taiwan.
MHI Vestas Taiwan business director Maida Zahirovic said: “The fact that we will be able to source switchgear locally in Taiwan is a significant achievement for MHI Vestas and for the development of the local offshore wind supply chain in-country.
“We will continue delivering the leading localisation plan in Taiwan in conjunction with our local partners, and we look forward to working with Mitsubishi Electric and SEEC on switchgear production, helping them to prepare for export throughout the APAC region.”
Mitsubishi Electric senior general manager Toshimitsu Ito said: “Working closely with our reputable partner SEEC in Taiwan is really a great opportunity.
“We are committed to contributing to Taiwan’s sustainable society, by supplying localised switchgear to MHI Vestas in its Taiwanese projects.”
SEEC vice-chief operations officer Yang Tsun-Ching said: “With this memorable step, Shihlin is grateful to be a supply chain partner for Mitsubisi Electric and to be able to contribute to the future development of renewable energy in Taiwan.”
MHI Vestas has been awarded firm contracts for the 589MW Changfang and Xidao offshore wind farms, which are being developed by CIP.
It also has preferred supplier status for the 300MW Zhong Neng project developed by CSC and CIP.