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Van Oord to build offshore wind project in TaiwanVan Oord to build offshore wind project in Taiwan

Van Oord has been designated as preferred contractor for a large 640 MW offshore wind project in Taiwan making its first firm step into the Asian offshore wind market. The Yunlin project has a contract value of approximately $578.5m.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

May 31, 2018

2 Min Read
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The Yunlin offshore wind project is being developed by the German project developer wpd. Van Oord is responsible for the design, manufacturing and installation of the eighty foundations. Preparations for the wind farm, which will be constructed 8 km off the coast of the Yunlin prefecture, starts immediately.

The offshore wind strategy of Taiwan is driven by the desire to phase out nuclear energy. High wind speeds, manageable distances in terms of coastal and water depth and a progressive government policy make offshore wind an attractive energy alternative. The aim of the Taiwanese government is to install 5.5 GW of offshore wind projects by 2025.

The Yunlin project is part of the Taiwanese government's feed-in tariff ("FIT") programme. This means that it is connected to the Taiwan network and allows a long-term power contract of 20 years. In 2020, about 350 MW must be connected to the grid, with the remaining part following in 2021.

“In Asia, and especially in Taiwan, large investments are being made in offshore wind. The Yunlin project is a great opportunity for Van Oord to show our expertise outside Europe. We look forward to working with our local partners to enable the energy transition of Taiwan,” said Van Oord ceo Peter van Oord.

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Financial Close is expected at the end of 2018. At the start of 2020, the first foundations will be available for installation. The installation period will also take place in 2020. Mono piles, scour protection, transition pieces and turbines will be installed in succession.

The Yunlin project is the first Van Oord offshore wind project in Taiwan and also its first wind contract outside Europe. However, Taiwan is familiar territory due to previous dredging and offshore projects. At the end of 2017, Van Oord completed one of Taiwan's largest land reclamation projects. With the creation of 250 hectares of new land in the Port of Kaohsiung, Van Oord made a positive contribution to the economic development of the country, as a result of which Van Oord received the Golden Quality Award.

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About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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