Van Oord has been designated as preferred contractor for a large 640 MW offshore wind project in Taiwan. It is the company's first wind contract outside Europe.
The Yunlin project has a contract value of approximately EUR 500 million. The Yunlin offshore wind project is being developed by the German project developer wpd. Van Oord is responsible for the design, manufacturing and installation of the eighty foundations. Preparations for the wind farm, which will be constructed 8 km off the coast of the Yunlin prefecture, starts immediately.
Energy Transition in Taiwan
The offshore wind strategy of Taiwan is driven by the desire to phase out nuclear energy. High wind speeds, manageable distances in terms of coastal and water depth and a progressive government policy make offshore wind an attractive energy alternative. The aim of the Taiwanese government is to install 5.5 GW of offshore wind projects by 2025.
The Yunlin project is part of the Taiwanese government's feed-in tariff ("FIT") programme. This means that it is connected to the Taiwan network and allows a long-term power contract of 20 years. In 2020, about 350 MW must be connected to the grid, with the remaining part following in 2021.
Schedule
Financial Close is expected at the end of 2018. At the start of 2020, the first foundations will be available for installation. Installation will also take place in 2020. Monopiles, scour protection, transition pieces and turbines will be installed in succession.
Experience in Taiwan
Although the Yunlin project is Van Oord's first offshore wind project in Taiwan, the country is familiar territory due to previous dredging and offshore projects. At the end of 2017, Van Oord completed one of Taiwan's largest land reclamation projects: the creation of 250 hectares of new land in the Port of Kaohsiung. For this project, the company received the Golden Quality Award. This award is an important recognition from the Public Construction Commission of the Taiwanese government.
