Ørsted Energy Partners with Changhua University for Launch of 'Sustainable Power Station' Forum Series Facilitating In-Depth Conversation on Offshore Wind Power and Local Engagement

　　Ørsted, has announced the launch of the "Sustainable Power Station" forum series in collaboration with the National Changhua University of Education (NCUE) on 23rd August. The forums are scheduled to take place from the end of August until the end of the year in Changhua and Taichung. Cordially invite scholars, experts, and the public interested in offshore wind power to participate. The primary focus of these forums will be to foster dialogue concerning environmental and social aspects, aiming to comprehensively explore topics related to offshore wind power and sustainability.

　　Christy Wang, Chairperson & General Manager of Ørsted Taiwan, Asia Pacific, stated, "Ørsted believes that accelerating the development of renewable energy should be balanced with environmental sustainability and a focus on social integration, creating local value. Beginning in Changhua, we will host a series of 'Sustainable Power Station' forums in Central Taiwan, sharing our experiences in establishing offshore wind power in Taiwan. We hope to engage in in-depth conversations with experts, partners, and the public interested in renewable energy, collectively contributing to a sustainable green home."

　　The first forum of the "Sustainable Power Station" series is scheduled to take place on 29th August in Lukang Township, Changhua. Ørsted will share insights into ecological balance and biodiversity strategies related to offshore wind farms. They will also provide updates on the latest research progress of "ReCoral by ØrstedTM," a feasibility study on coral propagation, and engage in discussions with experts and scholars to accumulate relevant knowledge.

　　As offshore wind power is at the crossroads of two major environmental crises, namely climate change and loss of biodiversity, the construction of wind farms should avoid or mitigate potential environmental impacts. Ørsted aims to proactively seek methods to enhance biodiversity and promote ecological balance in the marine environment throughout the over 20-year lifecycle of offshore wind farms. Ørsted has set a goal to achieve a "net-positive impact" on biodiversity for its newly built renewable energy projects by 2030 while ReCoral is Ørsted's first research project in the Asia-Pacific region.

　　The first forum will also introduce Ørsted's experience in mitigating ecological impact. In Taiwan, Ørsted has introduced the suction caisson method, a free piling method with minimal underwater noise. This method has set a precedent in the Asia-Pacific region and aligns with the goal of balancing environmental concerns and green energy development in the construction of offshore wind farms.

　　Another significant theme of the "Sustainable Power Station" series is exploring how offshore wind power could coexist with communities. Ørsted will collaborate with Peiwen Lu, Associate Professor of the Department of Geography, NCUE, to organize multiple forums on offshore wind farm construction, marine ecology, and marine spatial planning, starting in September. Representatives from fishing rights and environmental conservation organizations will also be invited to discuss how to establish offshore wind farms while fostering a healthy offshore wind power industry ecosystem and promoting local development and marine conservation.

　　The "Sustainable Power Station" series of forums is open for registration. Further details can be found on the event registration page and Ørsted Taiwan's Facebook page. Participation is encouraged.