BlueFloat Energy has announced the site location for its 180MW Winds of September Phase 1 offshore wind project, which is set to participate in Taiwan's upcoming floating Demonstration Program later in 2024. The site is situated approximately 23 kilometers offshore from Hsinchu City.
The project, which has been under development since 2021, will deploy up to 12 floating platforms to achieve the projected capacity of 180MW. The site selection followed a comprehensive energy yield assessment, informed by a floating lidar deployment campaign initiated in March 2023, and a thorough environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) process. Additionally, geophysical surveys were conducted to evaluate environmental constraints and soil conditions, guiding the project's design and layout.
BlueFloat Energy has also signed a collaboration agreement with the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC). This partnership will focus on assessing Taiwan's local manufacturing supply chain capabilities for floating offshore wind mooring and anchoring systems. The collaboration aims to support local suppliers in meeting international standards and overcoming challenges associated with floating wind technologies.
Michael Pinkerton, BlueFloat Energy's country manager for Taiwan, highlighted the importance of timely developments, noting that the announcement of the feed-in tariff and selection rules in late 2024 will be crucial for conducting site investigations and achieving commercial operation by 2030.
MIRDC Chairman Lin Jenyi emphasized the collaboration's role in enhancing the technical capabilities of Taiwanese suppliers and preparing them for floating wind projects. The partnership is expected to evaluate and support 15 potential suppliers for mooring and anchoring systems through site visits.
BlueFloat Energy's approach combines desktop studies, on-site investigations, and stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with local communities like the Hsinchu Fishermen Association for support during the FliDAR Campaign. This effort underscores the company's commitment to rigorous site-specific analysis and local cooperation.
The Winds of September Phase 1 project is a precursor to the larger Winds of September – Phase 2, which aims to participate in Taiwan's Zonal Development R3-3 bidding. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the large-scale commercial development of floating wind technology in Taiwan to meet the country's offshore wind installation targets for 2035, as potential for bottom-fixed projects nears exhaustion.
