The Ministry of Economic Affairs has introduced a “Draft of the Floating Offshore Wind Power Demonstration Program.” This initiative aims to establish demonstration wind farms, each with a capacity of 100 to 200 MW, to validate floating offshore wind technologies. The targeted timeline for completion and grid connection is 2032. While the development of wind resources in deeper waters presents significant long-term potential for Taiwan, it is essential to consider current industry conditions and infrastructure capacity. Priority should be given to ensuring that fixed-bottom wind farms under Rounds 3 and 4 of the offshore wind zonal development program are completed on schedule before expanding into floating offshore wind technologies.
Floating Offshore Wind Remains in Demonstration Phase Globally; Taiwan’s Deep Waters and Typhoons Require Rigorous Validation
Jong-Shun Chen, Associate Research Fellow at the Center for Green Economy of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER), stated that floating offshore wind remains predominantly in the demonstration and validation stage globally. Taiwan’s marine environment presents additional challenges, including typhoons and strong currents. As a result, technologies such as floating platform stability, deep-water mooring systems, and dynamic subsea cables will require significant customization and extended validation.
Moreover, Taiwan’s current heavy-component assembly ports, deep-water towing channels, and offshore engineering fleets are not yet adequately equipped to support large-scale floating offshore wind development. Premature adoption of high-risk new technologies, prior to the establishment of a robust fixed-bottom offshore wind supply chain, could divert limited engineering, port, and marine resources. A phased strategy that prioritizes demonstration projects and postpones commercialization is thus recommended.
Technical and Financial Criteria Account for 85% of Draft Evaluation, Mitigating Localization-Related Risks
Chen observed that the draft’s evaluation framework is noteworthy for prioritizing comprehensive technical planning and financial viability, which together comprise 85% of the total score. Localization is addressed under sustainability and local capacity-building, accounting for approximately 10%. In contrast to the localization controversies encountered during fixed-bottom offshore wind development, this approach is expected to reduce unnecessary costs and scheduling risks. It also aligns more closely with the demonstration program’s core objective of validating both technical and economic feasibility.
However, a demonstration program should have not only a starting point, but also a clearly defined endpoint and evaluation criteria. Chen said the true value of a demonstration program lies not only in proving that a technology can succeed, but also in determining whether certain technological pathways are economically or technically unviable. Before formally announcing the rules, the government should therefore establish objective stage-gate reviews and exit mechanisms.
Specifically, the government could establish quantitative indicators to assess trends in the levelized cost of electricity following the completion of demonstration wind farms, operational stability, risks related to deep-water engineering, and the capacity to secure financing for subsequent commercialization. If results indicate that costs remain prohibitively high or engineering risks surpass expectations, the competent authority should adjust policy accordingly and consider deferring large-scale commercialization. A successful demonstration should not be presumed to necessitate full-scale deployment.
Chen asserted that the floating offshore wind development holds long-term strategic significance for Taiwan. However, the energy transition must account for technological potential, costs, infrastructure, and industry capacity. Taiwan should first consolidate its existing offshore wind foundations before validating new technologies. Additionally, clear performance indicators and an exit mechanism should be established. This approach will enable the demonstration program to function as an effective policy experiment and prevent investments in high-risk technologies from becoming a persistent drain on public resources.
Source: United Daily News (September 13, 2026). Floating Offshore Wind Targets 2032 Grid Connection; Scholars Call for Exit Conditions. United Daily News. https://udn.com/news/story/7238/9751033