Orsted has completed the installation of the first suction bucket jacket (SBJ) foundation at the 920-megawatt (MW) Greater Changhua 2b and 4 offshore wind farms in Taiwan, marking the first use of the technology by the company in the Asia-Pacific region.
The installation represents a key milestone in the development of what is set to be one of Taiwan’s largest offshore wind projects. Orsted described the move as a significant step in advancing environmentally conscious offshore construction methods in the region.
“This is Orsted’s first use of SBJ foundations in the Asia-Pacific region, and also the region’s first large-scale offshore wind project to adopt this environmentally friendly, piling-free technology,” a company spokesperson said.
The SBJ foundation design is intended to minimise impact on the seabed and marine environment by avoiding pile-driving, which generates underwater noise and vibrations. “The SBJ foundation minimises seabed disturbance, generates almost no noise during installation, and can be fully removed at the end of the wind farm’s life,” the spokesperson added. “It also has the potential to attract marine life, supporting Orsted’s commitment to environmental protection and ecological coexistence.”
All 66 suction bucket jacket foundations for the project have been completed and inspected. The installation phase is now fully underway, with the next step being the deployment of the first 14MW wind turbine.
The Greater Changhua 2b and 4 wind farms are part of Taiwan’s broader efforts to expand offshore wind capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Orsted said the use of SBJ technology supports both its sustainability goals and Taiwan’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.
