TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Orsted announced the completion of the first phase of its offshore wind farm off the coast of Changhua in southwest Taiwan on Thursday (April 25).
The Greater Changhua 1 offshore wind farm project is the largest in Asia, according to Orsted. When fully completed, the wind farm is expected to produce 2.4 GW, per Power Technology.
A completion ceremony was held in Taichung Port, with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua (王美花), and Orsted CEO Mads Nipper in attendance, per CNA.
Tsai said in a speech that Orsted’s investment made it and Denmark the largest foreign investors in Taiwan for 2022. She thanked Orsted for bringing in funds and technology for the wind farm project.
Tsai said that since 2016, 296 offshore wind turbines have been installed with a cumulative installed capacity of 2.37 GW and expects the number of wind turbines will reach 300 this year. Although it took eight years, the government’s energy policy is coming to fruition, she said.
“Taiwan is not only leading in the Asia-Pacific region but also globally,” she said. “The green electricity generated by offshore wind farms lays the foundation for Taiwan’s industry and society in the upcoming net zero era.”
Tsai added everyone should proudly tell their children: “Look at the wind turbines off our shores. They are the legacy that our generation will leave behind for your and Taiwan’s future.”