Local companies Taiwan appeal to clear policy and optimization of export market

Wednesday, October 7 2020

Taiwan’s local offshore suppliers calls for clear policy framework and optimizing export markets.

Taiwanese government began its serious devotion to creating a market for offshore energy and implement measures to foster local offshore supply chain about three years ago. The hard work has borne fruit has Taiwan’s most influential companies has either become part of or given thought about becoming part of the offshore sector.

As part of the effort to ensure a more comprehensive localization policy framework and to establish a platform for in-depth discussion, Metal Industries Research & Development Centre held a Taiwan Offshore Wind Localization Seminar, inviting local companies who have been contributing to the wind farms constructed in demonstrative phase and selection phase to share their opinions on optimizing the current local capacity and refine local content policy.

Chairman of Star Energy Tsai Chyin Fa said the company is expanding its business footprint to offshore wind sector based on its EPC expertise and solid track record in onshore turbine installation. In addition, the company can efficiently apply its electrical engineering technologies to the offshore sector.

Tsai said Star Energy will also invest into localizing O&M as the company is currently working with TIPC Marine Corporation to build an O&M base in Changhua Coastal area, which is expected to be complete by October this year.

Director of Atech Composites, Chen Kai Lin said the company fully supports the government’s localization policy of turbine components. Atech has recently formed a joint venture with German company Fassmer Atech Composites Taiwan to foster technology transfer. Chen said while help from the government is important, local companies have ramp up their own global competitiveness and capability. By doing so, the local companies will be able to identify the ‘key technology gap’ and to help lowering the risk for the company itself and for customers the company serves.

CSO of YKK Li Yi Cang said the industry is now facing the trend of increasing turbine capacity which could lead to insecurity to both HSE and efficiency. To deal with the future technology, YKK is adopting ‘Advanced Manufacturing’ strategy to meet the increasing demand for future turbine components. He also stressed it takes quite a while for large investment to recover its capital, therefore consistency, precise policy and an integrated communication channel to the competent authority is required.

Executive Assistant of Tien Li Offshore Wind Technology Li Hung Dao said FRP is commonly applied in electronics manufacturing, but it has now become a key structure composite for wind turbine blades. Li said turbine blades manufacturing requires precision and cutting-edge technology and usually are manufactured by turbine OEMs. Tien Li, as the world’s second independent turbine blade manufacturer, is looking forward to more business opportunities with different companies and will extend its technology to onshore turbines as well.

CEO of MIRDC Dr. Chiu-feng Lin said MIRDC has been an important communication channel for developers, suppliers and government authorities. The Research Centre is also committed to executing the localization policy. Seminar moderator, Professor of National Taiwan Ocean University Chien Lien-Kwei, concluded the seminar with a recommendation that Taiwan’s offshore localization plan can be globalized oriented, as real-globalization is what underlines the spirit of the localization policy.