BlueFloat Energy announces location for floating offshore wind farm in Taiwan

This has an expected capacity of 180 MW.

BlueFloat Energy has revealed the location for its Winds of September Phase 1 project as the company plans to participate in the demonstration programme to be launched by the Taiwanese government later in 2024.

According to BlueFloat, the project will be located approximately 23 kilometres offshore from Hsinchu City. Up to 12 floating platforms will be installed for an expected capacity of 180 megawatts.

If approved, this will be Taiwan’s first floating offshore wind farm.

BlueFloat said it also inked a collaboration with the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) to study Taiwan’s local manufacturing supply chain for floating offshore wind mooring and anchoring systems.

“The collaboration with the MIRDC is intended to demonstrate BlueFloat Energy’s commitment to emphasise the continuity between the Demonstration Program and future commercial stage,” BlueFloat said.

According to the company, the “Winds of September Phase 1” will make way for the early adoption of adjustments in maritime engineering, port operations, and the supply chain. This will also serve as a foundation for the “Winds of September – Phase 2″ for participating in Zonal Development R3-3 bidding, it added.

“The ultimate goal is to accomplish large-scale commercial development of floating technology in Taiwan in order to achieve the country’s offshore wind installation targets for 2035, as the potential for bottom-fixed projects is nearly exhausted,” BlueFloat said.