MOEA Convenes Offshore Wind Zonal Developers to Discuss Issues onTimely Grid Connection

To assist in the timely grid connection of offshore wind farms and ensure a sufficient supply of green energy, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) convened a meeting on the 23rd, bringing together zonal developers to discuss issues encountered in achieving timely grid integration. Industry representatives attending the meeting mainly raised concerns regarding the follow-up actions for industrial relevance plans, legal frameworks surrounding geological surveys, and the participation of state-owned banks in financing.

MOEA indicated that it is currently in consultation with the European Union under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework. Due to the principle of mutual trust, the details of the consultations are confidential, and more specific information cannot be provided. However, the atmosphere of the consultations has been positive, and efforts are being directed towards settling. The industrial relevance policy will move toward a more open approach.

MOEA explained that, as long as wind farms are completed on schedule and connected to the grid in compliance with public interests and relevant regulations, the administrative departments will assist developers in overcoming related obstacles. Regarding industrial relevance policies involving force majeure (unattributable) circumstances, the Industrial Development Administration, MOEA will follow general principles and case-by-case reviews, aiming to finalize relevant reference models by the end of September to help developers complete wind farm installations on time.

MOEA further stated on the issue of state-owned banks participating in offshore wind farm financing. By the end of September, MOEA had arranged for representatives from the National Development Council, the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Supervisory Commission, and state-owned banks to visit offshore wind farms. They exchanged views on financing offshore wind projects, sharing practical experiences with banking institutions to boost their confidence in offshore wind projects and foster a healthy financing environment.

MOEA also noted that domestic corporate users require a substantial and competitive supply of green energy for exports (such as RE100), with advanced manufacturing processes needing to reach higher green energy proportions. Increasing the proportion of green energy in Taiwan's manufacturing by 2030 has become an urgent priority. MOEA will continue to collaborate with offshore wind developers to ensure an adequate supply of green electricity, thereby enhancing the international competitiveness of Taiwan's industries.