Taiwan is preparing for 2027 the selection process for its first demonstration projects of floating offshore wind , with the aim of testing on a commercial scale the solutions that could enable a new stage of expansion of the sector in deep waters.
The program plans to initially award two sites, with the possibility of adding a third , and each project will have a capacity of between 100 and 200 MW , distributed between six and twelve floating platforms.
If the maximum planned amount is realized, the initiative could involve up to 600 MW , although that figure will depend on three projects being selected and each one reaching the upper limit of 200 MW.
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Energy Administration presented the draft program to the sector and opened a period for receiving comments before finalizing the mechanism. The official plan is to begin the selection process in 2027 .
The goal is not solely to add new capacity. Taiwan seeks to use the projects as a testing ground to evaluate types of floating platforms, generation performance, port infrastructure for pre-assembly, and financing models .
The evaluation of the proposals will take into account the technical and financial capacity of the developers, as well as aspects related to sustainability and local cooperation.
On a technical level, the planning and execution capacity of floating offshore projects will be analyzed. From a financial perspective, the focus will be on the scale of financing for the development teams and the planned structure for each initiative.
The sustainability component will consider environmental aspects, collaboration with local actors, and talent development, in an attempt to link technological deployment with capacity building within the Taiwanese market.
The selected projects must be completed and connected to the network before the end of 2032 .
The draft allows for some flexibility for projects that have reached an advanced stage of completion by that date. Sites that have installed all their floating platforms or connected at least half of them to the grid before the end of 2032 will be able to complete construction and connection during the following year.
Taiwan's next offshore frontier will be in deep waters
The program responds to the challenge facing Taiwan as its offshore wind development moves into deeper areas, where traditionally used fixed foundations give way to floating solutions.
Before deploying this technology on a larger scale, the Government seeks to verify its viability not only from the point of view of turbines and platforms, but also of ports, financing and the comprehensive execution of the projects.
The initiative is also part of a large-scale offshore roadmap. Taiwan aims to reach between 18.3 and 19.9 GW of cumulative offshore wind capacity by 2035 , although this target encompasses all offshore technologies and not just floating developments.
The selection planned for 2027 will thus serve as a first test to determine how this new technology can be incorporated into the future expansion of the market.
With individual projects of up to 200 MW , connection deadlines towards 2032 and up to three sites in play, Taiwan seeks to lay the first technical, financial and logistical foundations to take its next stage of offshore wind growth towards deeper waters .