EDF Renewables Signs MOU with NTU to Cultivate Talent in Taiwan's Floating Offshore Wind Technology

(From left) Ming-Lung Chang, General Manager of EDF Renewables Taiwan｜Jia-Ji Song, Director of the Ship and Ocean Technology Research Center at NTU

EDF Renewables signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Taiwan University for the "Offshore Wind Industry Talent and Technology Cultivation Program" during the "Energy Taiwan x Net Zero Taiwan" exhibition. This initiative marks the beginning of in-depth collaborative efforts between the two parties to cultivate talent and technology related to offshore wind power. With over ten years of experience in offshore wind development, EDF Renewables focuses on research and development (R&D) and innovation and is currently the only international developer in Taiwan with experience in developing, constructing, and completing floating offshore wind farms.

To support the development of floating wind farms, EDF’s R&D team has developed an innovative integrated simulation tool known as "DIEGO," which was first implemented at the floating demonstration wind farm "Provence Grand Large." DIEGO can simulate various conditions, including wind turbines, floating platforms, ocean waves, sea breezes, and mooring cables. This tool assists observers in assessing the stability and durability of floating platforms and the load-bearing capacity of turbines under ocean winds and long waves. It can identify suitable floating platforms for specific regions and accurately calculate equipment performance from various suppliers, thereby contributing to the advancement of the floating offshore wind power industry.

Currently, EDF Renewables is dedicated to developing the "Wei Lan Hai Chang Hua (Huan Yang) Offshore Wind Project," which was awarded a capacity of 440 MW in December 2022. Concurrently, the company is preparing to propose the "Wei Lan Hai Miaoli Offshore Wind Project" as part of the selection process for Taiwan's floating offshore wind farm demonstration projects. This plan has a total installed capacity exceeding 1,000 MW and successfully passed the environmental impact assessment review in May of this year.

EDF Renewables Taiwan General Manager, Ming-Lung Chang, stated: "Taiwan is a pioneering market for the offshore wind industry in the Asia-Pacific region, with regulatory authorities actively promoting the development of floating offshore wind power. To facilitate the growth of this emerging sector, local talent cultivation will be a critical factor. We look forward to collaborating with National Taiwan University (NTU) in industry-academia partnerships. By leveraging the progress of our various projects in Taiwan and introducing advanced technologies, along with NTU's strong academic research capabilities, floating offshore wind power technology can successfully take root, flourish, and thrive in Taiwan."

Jia-Ji Song, Director of the Ship and Ocean Technology Research Center at NTU, commented: "The Ministry of Education has dedicated substantial resources and funding to establish regional talent and technology development centers. One key initiative is the 'Offshore Wind Power Industry Talent and Technology Development Program,' led by NTU. Under the proactive leadership of President of NTU, Chen Wen-Zhang, the program has connected with several partner institutions, including Taipei City University of Science and Technology, Chienkuo Technology University, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, National Formosa University, and National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. Additionally, NTU will establish two offshore wind demonstration bases. With EDF Renewables' proven track record in energy technology research and innovation, we are excited to deepen collaboration, which will further enhance local talent development in Taiwan’s offshore wind industry."

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