To ensure prompt grid connection of wind farms and adequate supply of green electricity, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held a symposium on September 23rd, with offshore wind farm developers to discuss issues encountered in achieving timely grid connection. Industry representatives raised topics such as follow-up actions for the Industrial Relevance Policy, geological survey regulations, and state-owned banks' participation in financing.
The MOEA stated that it is currently in consultation with the EU under the WTO framework. Adhering to the principle of mutual trust, the consultation results need to be kept confidential, thus no detailed information can be disclosed at the moment. Nonetheless, the atmosphere of the consultations is positive, with efforts being made towards settling, and the MOEA is planning to loosen up the Industrial Relevance Policy. The MOEA explained that as long as the wind farms are completed on time and connected to the grid in compliance with public interest and relevant laws, the administrative departments will assist developers in overcoming related obstacles. Regarding the Industrial Relevance Policy involving force majeure or unattributable reasons, the Industrial Development Administration of the MOEA will follow general principles and adopt a case-by-case review approach, aiming to complete relevant reference models by the end of September to help developers complete wind farm installations on schedule.
In response to the industry's proposal for state-owned banks to participate in the offshore wind farm financing, the MOEA also mentioned that it 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 by the end of September, where they exchanged views on offshore wind farm financing issues, provided practical experience to banking industry representatives, and establish trust for the fiance of offshore wind farms, thereby creating a healthy financing environment.
The MOEA emphasized that domestic corporate users have a significant and competitive demand for green electricity for exports (such as RE100) and that advanced manufacturing processes require higher proportions of green energy. Increasing the proportion of green electricity in Taiwan's manufacturing by 2030 has become a priority. The MOEA will continue cooperating with offshore wind power developers to provide sufficient green electricity and enhance the international competitiveness of Taiwan's industries.
Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Deputy Director General, Chun-Li Lee
Phone: 02-2775-7700, 0936-250-838
Email: chunlee@moeaea.gov.tw
Business Contact: Director, Chung-Hsien Chen
Phone: 02-2775-7770, 0919-998-339
Email: ctchen2@moeaea.gov.tw