Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and the UK’s leading technology innovation centre for offshore wind signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the cooperation of offshore wind generation. This paves the way for an innovation programme focusing on offshore wind operation and maintenance technology that is based on the related experience of the UK, which has the highest installed offshore wind power capacity in the world. Technical exchanges will strengthen Research and Development (R&D) capacities while contributing to the improvement of Taiwan’s offshore wind generation ecosystem.
the memorandum will enable the establishment of a joint working group to focus on wind turbines, submarine cable equipment, and power facilities. It will also introduce innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data technologies to promote offshore wind generation operation and maintenance to become more automated, digitalised, and smart, consequently reducing energy costs. The introduction of related technology will help establish the vibrant development of this industry.
UK-Taiwan cooperation in offshore wind is growing fast with 30 UK businesses now set up in Taiwan to support the sector. The memorandum will include UK-Taiwan R&D collaboration and spur new tech innovations in the sector, increase renewable capacity in Taiwan and help to reduce carbon emissions.
Taiwan’s government is committed to encouraging related academic research and technology R&D, with the hope of achieving the energy transition to renewables and becoming a hub for offshore wind generation in Asia.
ITRI President said that the economic development among countries throughout the world is leading to an increase in global demand for energy. Taiwan is actively developing renewable energy sources, hoping to increase its energy independence. Taiwan’s wind farms will gradually see completion. The offshore wind company has extensive experience and state-of-the-art research in the development of offshore wind generation.
Taiwan has the potential to become one of the best wind farms in the world. This collaboration will foster more comprehensive development of the wind generation industry locally and will create a win-win opportunity for the industries of both Taiwan and the UK.
Taiwan’s first offshore wind farm began commercial operation in 2019, and several wind farms will continue to be completed in the future. After the wind farm is completed and connected to the grid, it will enter the operation and maintenance (O&M) period of at least 15 years, therefore O&M technology is a key research area for ITRI.
ITRI has been engaged in international cooperation for the past two years. With the UK’s profound experience in offshore wind development, they are glad to cooperate with the company and hope to accelerate research and development through offshore wind technology exchange and information integration.
Taiwan is one of the most innovative, progressive and fastest-growing markets for offshore wind technologies in the world. And as the largest offshore wind market in the world, the UK has a wealth of technologies, the experience that can be shared with Taiwan to help expand global clean energy generation, reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change.
ITRI is one of the world’s leading technology R&D institutions aiming to innovate a better future for society. ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan’s industries from labour-intensive into innovation-driven. To address market needs and global trends, it has launched its 2030 Technology Strategy & Roadmap and focuses on innovation development in Smart Living, Quality Health, and Sustainable Environment. It also strives to strengthen Intelligentisation Enabling Technology to support diversified applications.
Taiwan has been focusing on developing tech solutions for sustainability such as creating sustainable green parks. As reported by OpenGov Asia, Technology Industrial Parks in Taiwan have been dedicated to promoting energy and water-saving counselling and green electricity construction. In response to the negative impacts of climate change, major global supply chains have successively announced a carbon neutrality target. Suppliers are required to jointly respond as well and must implement environment-related sustainable technological programmes.
