Ørsted has officially kicked off offshore construction for the massive 920 MW Greater Changhua 2b and 4 wind farms, marking a significant milestone in Taiwan’s renewable energy journey. This project not only underscores Ørsted’s dedication to advancing clean energy but also plays a key role in supporting Taiwan’s low-carbon ambitions.
Located 35 to 60 km off the coast of Changhua County, the Greater Changhua 2b and 4 wind farms were awarded in June 2018 during Taiwan’s first competitive price-based auction. Notably, this auction did not have mandatory local content requirements. By July 2020, Ørsted had secured a 20-year fixed-price corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA), ensuring that the entire power output will be sold to a corporate customer.
Per Mejnert Kristensen, President of Region APAC at Ørsted, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “The commencement of offshore construction for Greater Changhua 2b and 4 demonstrates Ørsted’s unwavering commitment to developing, constructing, and operating large-scale offshore wind farms in Taiwan.” He further emphasized that these projects reflect the market’s trust in Ørsted’s technical prowess and experience while underscoring offshore wind’s crucial role in a sustainable energy future.
Jayaram Naidu, Managing Director of Greater Changhua Offshore Wind Farms at Ørsted, provided insights into the project’s timeline. “Our team is diligently working to ensure the timely and successful completion of the 920 MW Greater Changhua 2b and 4 offshore wind farms,” he said. Naidu confirmed that onshore works are progressing smoothly and offshore installations are expected to wrap up by the end of 2025. The full grid connection is slated for 2026, aligning with Ørsted’s commitments under the grid contract with Taiwanese authorities and the corporate CPPA. Safety remains a top priority as the company collaborates with suppliers and contractors to uphold rigorous standards in quality, health, and environmental protection.
The wind farms will feature 66 Siemens Gamesa 14-236 DD turbines, each with a capacity of 14 MW—the largest turbines to be installed in the Taiwan Strait. In a pioneering move for the Asia-Pacific region, the project will utilize suction bucket jacket (SBJ) foundation technology, which is both environmentally friendly and piling-free.
Since the final investment decision in March 2023, Ørsted has made substantial progress. Key components are already in production, civil work on the onshore substation is complete, and vessels are mobilized for offshore activities. Seabed scour protection is underway, and full-scale offshore construction involves installing the offshore substation, SBJ foundations, wind turbines, and laying array and export cables. The jacket, piles, and topside of the offshore substation recently departed from construction yards in Batam and Singapore and are en route to Taiwan for installation.
Components for the SBJ foundations and wind turbines are arriving steadily at the Port of Taichung, with offshore installation scheduled to begin in late March. At peak times, over 40 vessels and between 1,600 and 1,800 personnel will be involved in the offshore construction phase. The project also emphasizes local engagement, with certified Taiwan Cetacean Observers, including Changhua fishermen, supporting marine operations.
In parallel with offshore activities, Ørsted is strengthening its local operations and maintenance (O&M) capabilities. The company is actively recruiting Taiwanese technicians to ensure the long-term performance and reliability of the Greater Changhua 2b and 4 wind farms, reinforcing its commitment to Taiwan’s energy transition.
