Orsted has signed 60 contracts with 30 local Taiwanese suppliers for the first 900MW phase of its Greater Changhua offshore wind farms off the coast of the Asian island.

The Danish developer said it expects to sign a further 10 major contracts over the next two months for the foundations, turbines, the onshore substation and offshore cabling for the project.

Onshore construction could start next year, subject to all necessary permitting being secured and a final investment decision taken, the company added.

It said total investment in the first phase is expected to be about NT$165bn (€4.6bn), which will be funded by Orsted and debt finance from local financial institutions.

The onshore substation EPC contract is valued at NT$3bn and the successful contractor is expected to source materials from Taiwanese suppliers including CTCI, Star Energy, CHEM, Fortune, Tatung, Shinlin, Allis, Taya, Hong-Tai and PEWC.

Orsted also called on international turbine suppliers to accelerate localisation efforts and “provide clear action plans” to further localise turbine sub-components – apart from towers.

“This will be an important factor for Orsted’s final turbine supplier selection,” it said.

Orsted General Manager for Asia Pacific Matthias Bausenwein said: “Since we established our office in Taiwan, during more than 800 days of hard work, we have signed 60 contracts with around 30 local suppliers. 

“Greater Changhua projects’ first 900MW will support the development of a strong local supply chain. We will continue to share our expertise in offshore wind and to support local companies to evaluate their competence and capacity.”

Greater Changhua will consist of four projects with a total capacity of 2.4GW. 

Image: Orsted