Launch of Offshore Wind Power Industry Talent and Technology Development Project Press Conference

　　Taiwan's offshore wind power industry has grown to a total value exceeding 1.5 trillion NT dollars, spurring the rapid development of related supply chain industries and a demand for tens of thousands of professionals in the offshore wind energy sector. The National Taiwan University (NTU), hosted a launch press conference today (9/5) at Yunlin Branch, National Taiwan University's Agriculture Incubation and Extension Center. This conference marks the initiation of the "Offshore Wind Power Industry Talent and Technology Development Project" bringing together five technological universities and corporate entities. This collaborative effort aims to establish a self-contained local industry ecosystem and supply chain for the offshore wind power industry in Taiwan, enhancing the industry's technological capabilities and international competitiveness.

　　Notable attendees at the launch ceremony included legislator Chih-Feng Su, Yunlin County Vice Magistrate Shu-Ya Hsieh, Director-General of the Department of Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education Yang Yu-Hui, President of National Taiwan University (NTU) Wen-Chang Chen, and Dean of the College of Engineering at NTU Mao-Hsiung Chiang. This event was witnessed by local representatives and industry stakeholders, including the European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT) executives, developers, and supply chain company executives; this event inaugurated a new chapter in Taiwan's offshore wind power talent development.

　　Wen-Chang Chen, President of National Taiwan University and the project's lead explained that Taiwan's localization policy for offshore wind power aims to create a self-sufficient local industry ecosystem and supply chain. This policy intends to cultivate local professionals in technical fields, engineering planning, and project management, thereby empowering the domestic industry with the technological prowess and market competitiveness required to enter the new global energy industry. Under the support of the Ministry of Education and the coordination of National Taiwan University, this program collaborates with five technological universities, including National Formosa University (NFU), Taipei City University of Science and Technology (TPCU), Chienkuo Technology University (CTU), Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST), and National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST), as well as corporate entities such as the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) and Taiwan Construction Research Institute (TCRI). This strategic integration of resources aims to establish a multidisciplinary platform for cross-industry collaboration involving academia, industry, and research.

　　Mao-Hsiung Chiang, Dean of the College of Engineering at NTU and the program's executive director, noted that National Taiwan University has been a core player in research and talent cultivation for the wind power industry in the Asia-Pacific region for many years. Regarding technology, the university has consistently remained at the forefront by developing specialized methodologies and innovative technological applications. In talent cultivation, National Taiwan University has been actively promoting offshore wind talent development since 2018, offering courses such as the "Offshore Wind Energy Credit Program" and driving the "Taiwan-Netherlands Offshore Wind Power Talent Development Collaboration Program." These initiatives aim to train professionals and nurture teaching staff while facilitating exchanges and cooperation with advanced wind power technology nations. With the financial support of the Ministry of Education, this program will expand training facilities and equipment to deepen its commitment to Taiwan further. Moreover, the press conference announced the establishment of the "Taiwan Offshore Wind Energy Talent Cultivation Alliance," which brings together resources from academia, industry, and research to bridge the talent supply and demand sides, serving as a strong pillar for the development of Taiwan's offshore wind power industry.