Taiwan debut for Siemens Gamesa offshore wind giant

Hai Long Offshore Wind intends to use Siemens Gamesa’s new SG 14-222 DD offshore wind turbine at the upcoming 300 MW Hai Long 2 project in Taiwan.

The deployment of the new turbine for the rest of the 1,044 MW Hai Long pipeline is also being considered, Siemens Gamesa said.

The exact number of units for the first 300 MW of the project remains to be confirmed based on site-specific conditions.

The preferred supplier agreement as announced in November 2019 remains subject to contract and final investment decision from the consortium partners, Canadian independent power producer Northland Power Inc. and Taiwan-based developer Yushan Energy, jointly owned by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. in Japan and Yushan Energy Pte. Ltd. in Singapore.

The Hai Long offshore wind power plant was awarded through the 2018 grid allocation mechanism in Taiwan. The project site is located approximately 50 kilometres off the coast of Changhua County.

The first 300 MW will serve as an anchor for Siemens Gamesa to expand its local footprint and supply base in Taiwan into a regional industrial hub, the turbine maker said.

As announced separately, nacelle production for the Hai Long 2 project will begin in Taichung in 2024, and turbine installation will follow thereafter.

“Taking the next step in advancing the Hai Long 2 project by announcing that it will conditionally use the SG 14-222 DD offshore wind turbine is outstanding news. We are thrilled that the Hai Long partners have chosen our newest machine, and are very excited to work closely in making this project the first installation of the SG 14-222 DD in Asia Pacific,” said Andreas Nauen, Offshore CEO at Siemens Gamesa.

Subject to Hai Long 2’s Industrial Relevance Proposal approval, Siemens Gamesa recently revealed plans to expand its Taichung footprint into a regional industrial hub for offshore wind nacelles, together with Taiwan-based suppliers.

This nacelle production setup in Taiwan will play a central role in the introduction of the latest turbine technologies in Asia Pacific, starting with the giant SG 14-222 DD for the Hai Long 2 project, Siemens Gamesa said.

“We are very proud to be able and reveal the planned deployment of this giant turbine in Taiwan with the Hai Long partners. It matches our shared vision to establish a competitive and sustainable offshore wind hub here for the rest of the region,” said Niels Steenberg, Executive General Manager of Siemens Gamesa Offshore for Asia-Pacific.