- green-spots
- energy
- Taiwan
- Changbin and Taichung wind power, Taiwan
Problems
Taiwan faces significant challenges in its energy sector due to its heavy reliance on imported energy. The island nation has almost zero energy endowment and depends on imports for nearly 98% of its consumption. In 2022, 79.6% of Taiwan’s electricity generation came from fossil fuels, which leaves the island’s energy supply vulnerable to external disruption. The overreliance on a few oil and coal suppliers makes Taiwan’s energy supply chain fragile. Particularly, the Middle East, with potential conflicts among oil-producing nations such as Iran or Saudi Arabia, poses a prospective long-term threat to Taiwan’s energy security.
Solutions
Onshore wind energy generation in Taiwan
Author: Ecologi
The Changbin and Taichung wind power projects in Taiwan are pioneering efforts to harness the untapped sustainable wind energy on the island’s west coast. This large-scale project harnesses the strong prevailing winds along Taiwan’s Western coast, developing two onshore wind farms (one of 103.5MW and one of 46 MW). Combined, the wind farms consist of 62 turbines, which generate renewable energy and are delivered straight to the national grid. Carbon emissions reductions of around 300,000 tonnes per year, therefore, come from the displacement of fossil fuel energy within the grid. As well as helping accelerate the country’s shift toward renewables, boosting wind energy production helps to lessen the reliance on fossil fuel imports, representing an economic and national security boost as well. In addition, the project is engaged in several activities that help to preserve the local ecosystem – such as regular beach clean-ups and guided tours that raise awareness about climate change, pollution, and other environmental issues. The project has also supported the reforestation of a small parcel of local land, which is encouraging local biodiversity. Furthermore, the project has provided support to the Formosa Community in Taichung City, offering first aid training, arts and crafts classes for mothers, and a reading club. These initiatives highlight the project’s commitment to not only generating clean power but also contributing to the local community and environment. Onshore wind energy is a vital source of renewables in Taiwan. Therefore, pushing onshore wind energy development forward is the key to energy transition in Taiwan.
Source: https://ecologi.com/projects/onshore-wind-energy-generation-taiwan
Gallery
1Timelines
2023
The foundation installations of the Changhua 1 offshore wind farm (376 MW) were completed.
2021
The Ministry of Economic Affairs published new rules surrounding the development of the third phase of the offshore wind energy projects. Based on the foregoing, from 2026 to 2035, a capacity of 15GW should be realized, and the island should expect to increase installed capacity by 1.5 GW each year.
2019
The Formosa 1 Phase 2, the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm in Taiwan, is completed with 20 wind turbines and a capacity of 120 MW2.
The Formosa I project was the first offshore demonstration wind farm in Taiwan. The total generation capacity of Formosa I is 128MW.
2012
The offshore Wind Power Demonstration Incentive Program was established in Taiwan. Under the Program, the installation of offshore demonstration wind turbines was to be completed by 2016, with the development of the demonstration wind farms to be completed by 2020. Three demonstration offshore wind farms were selected and supported by the Program, totalling approximately 358 MW.
2008
The Changbin Wind Farm, the largest onshore wind farm in Taiwan, is completed with 62 wind turbines and a capacity of 186 MW.