TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Typhoon Danas blew parts of floating solar platforms from offshore Jiadong Township toward the coast late Sunday night, scattering debris across an area stretching more than one kilometer, the Pingtung County Government said Monday.
The damaged platforms were part of an offshore floating solar power project developed by Sun Rise E&T Corp., spanning a total area of 160,000 square meters and approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in 2023, per CNA.
According to the company, the platforms had not been fitted with solar panels, so the impact on the marine ecosystem is expected to be minimal. The facilities were made from environmentally friendly materials and were primarily set up to test their wave resistance.
In response, Pingtung’s Marine and Fisheries Management Office ordered the company to remove all scattered debris by Wednesday. The firm must then submit a repair or reconstruction plan for county government review, and operations may not resume until the plan is approved.
The office also instructed the company to inspect surrounding waters, including areas near Linbian Township, Donggang Township, and Xiaoliuqiu, to check if any platforms have drifted to these areas.
Sun Rise E&T Corp. said the gaps between its floating platforms require reinforced connections to withstand strong winds and high seas. The company noted that it had begun dismantling some units in June to strengthen the design before reinstallation. However, poor sea conditions prior to Typhoon Danas prevented the complete removal of all platforms in time.
Out of the approximately 1,400 floating platforms deployed in the area, the company said it has recovered about 60% so far. It also emphasized that most of the structures sustained only minor damage and could be repaired and reused after proper maintenance.
Meanwhile, some local fishermen expressed concerns that the drifting platforms could interfere with fishing vessel navigation. The county government pledged to work with the company on a comprehensive assessment. If any design flaws are identified, the firm will be required to make immediate corrections.
