Values for Taiwan
As offshore wind energy rapidly develops, the shallow water areas in Taiwan suitable for bottom-fixed wind turbines are nearing saturation. Floating wind in deepwater areas is the next stage. Rui Li 1 is a floating offshore wind development project in Hsinchu County,aiming to contribute to this advancement.
Rui Li 1 targets to participate in the Floating Incentive Scheme in Taiwan in 2025 and become one of the first floating offshore wind projects in Taiwan. Our goal is to showcase in this demonstration project the feasibility of floating wind technology in Taiwan and stimulate floating wind as a new pioneering industry for the country.
1. Unlocks Taiwan’s Deepwater Wind Energy Potential
As Taiwan’s shallow water offshore wind farms reach capacity, deepwater floating wind farms will open a new chapter in the country’s renewable energy development. Floating wind turbines capitalize on stronger and more stable wind resources found in deepwater areas, reduce conflicts with local fisheries, and have a lower environmental footprint. Drawing on its rich experience from fixed-foundation wind farms, Taiwan can more efficiently advance technological innovation and application in floating wind, enhancing the economic viability and reliability of wind power generation. This innovation opens up new possibilities for the development of offshore wind energy in Taiwan. According to a report by the international engineering consultancy 4C Offshore, the Taiwan Strait accounts for 16 of the top 20 wind park sites globally, highlighting the exceptional deepwater wind energy development potential of Taiwan.
2. Demonstrates floating wind technology
Floating wind technology, a concept proven through numerous tests globally. Nations such as Norway, Korea, the UK, Japan and France are heavily engaged in exploring this technology.
Taiwan is actively joining this international effort, planning to establish floating wind farms in its western maritime areas that are well-suited for offshore wind development. However, due to its location in an area of high seismic activity, Taiwan frequently experiences earthquakes, along with seasonal typhoons and diverse soil condition.
The Rui Li 1 project has conducted detailed evaluations of these factors. Earthquake assessments utilize state-of-the-art probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), typhoon impact studies incorporate historical storm data, and soil analyses draw from extensive geological surveys. These studies ensure that floating wind technology can be safely and effectively implemented in Taiwan’s offshore regions.
3. Accelerates Taiwan’s path to net-zero
Taiwan has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, making energy transition crucial. By accelerating the development of renewable energy, especially offshore wind power, Taiwan can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The implementation of floating wind turbine technology will convert deep-sea wind energy into stable clean power, providing a steady supply of green electricity and accelerating Taiwan's path towards net-zero emissions.
In the short term, Taiwan aims to reach 5.6 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2025. Over the medium term, the focus will shift to expanding capacity through additional installations, targeting an additional 15 GW from 2026 to 2035 through the third round of wind power auctions. In the long term, these efforts will contribute significantly to achieving the 2050 net-zero goal, integrating both fixed and floating technologies to harness the full potential of offshore wind.
4. Stimulates a new pioneering industry for Taiwan
The development of offshore wind energy not only helps Taiwan achieve its net-zero emissions goal but also stimulates the growth of emerging industries.
The growth of floating wind power in the APAC region gives Taiwan's industrial sector a great chance to shine. With its advanced manufacturing skills and lots of experience in offshore wind, Taiwan can provide important technologies and infrastructure to new markets in the region. From technology development to manufacturing and maintenance, offshore wind creates numerous job opportunities and drives the formation of related industrial supply chains. This work will likely lead to more innovation in Taiwan and help grow energy projects across the region, making Taiwan an important center for green technology in Asia.
With the development of floating technology, Taiwan will accelerate its integration into the global green energy movement, further boosting economic growth and industrial advancement.