The comparison of using Chinese-made wind turbine cores to a ridiculous sport is unwarranted

The Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has released an official statement refuting the claim made on a TV show, which correlated the zero-bidding offshore wind tender to the "China Chip Initiative" and which had caused misunderstandings among the public. 

Taiwan is actively investing in renewable energy, including offshorewind, to keep up with international trends, transition and bring about innovation to the industry, and maintain its export economic competitiveness. The offshore wind sector in Taiwan has already installed over 1 GW of capacity, including the four wind farms: Greater Changhua Offshore Wind, Zhang-Fang Offshore Wind Phase 1, Hai-Neng (Formosa II) Offshore Wind, and Yun-Lin Offshore Wind, and has accumulated a total of 188 wind turbines with a capacity of 1.4 GW. It is also gradually and consistently generating electricity in the Taiwan Strait. The ministry made four points in its statement: 

1. Taiwan's offshore wind development follows the trend set by European countries, starting with a feedin tariff system, and then using a bidding system to reduce costs. Even if it’s zero-bidding, the operator still needs to sign a contract with the government and commit to being connected on schedule. The zero-bidding for offshore wind from the government is a common practice in the international industry and is done through a power purchase agreement (CPPA) with businesses.

2. The development of offshore wind follows the The development of offshore wind follows the "Industrial Revelance Plan" and has undergone strict evaluations and reviews by multiple government agencies. It is not in the form of deceptive business practice.

3. Project financing is a common method for international offshore wind development. According to statistics from the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), the proportion of "non-recourse project financing" for new offshore wind farms was more than 70% in 2018 and 2019, compared to only 13%-35% before in 2017. This is the main source of funding for international offshore wind development.

4. The German company HeliService International GmbH in Taiwan has encountered investment barriers. The German Trade Office has explained and referred the investment, and the Investment Taiwan Office has assisted in coordinating with relevant units such as the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and promoting domestic investment in accordance with domestic regulations. After readjusting, the application was made again and is currently under the stage of preparation in accordance with regulations.