TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) said Monday (Aug. 12) its Phase 1 offshore wind farm has achieved 90% operational efficiency following months of improvements.

According to a Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) press release on Monday, Taipower said during the initial stages of the wind farm’s operation, shutdowns were required for calibration to adapt to the environment. However, after improvements and increased maintenance efficiency, the operation rate has reached 90% since April, it said, per CNA.

Regarding the operations and maintenance (O&M) contractor, Taipower said Hitachi has been granted a five-year contract. It plans to continue negotiations with the Japanese company for technology transfer and personnel training.

Additionally, Taipower said the construction of the wind farm’s O&M center faced delays due to the pandemic and labor shortages, which caused challenges during construction.

The company said the project was extended to ensure safety, but efforts are being made to expedite completion, with the center expected to be finished by June next year.