Ta Ya Supports Domestic Production of Offshore Wind Power Generators with Submarine Cable Know-how

2015/06/04

       Currently, all onshore wind power generators in Taiwan are imported from elsewhere. To avoid falling under the control of foreign manufacturers once again, it is crucial for the nation to produce offshore wind power generators and parts domestically. Ta Ya has long been supportive of domestic production, and it possesses adequate submarine cable production technology to provide local residents with reliable choices.

       On June 2, the Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs, held a "Green Energy Strategy Forum" at the assembly hall of Taichung City Government building to discuss key issues. Vice President Chuang, Pa Kuei of Ta Ya's Energy & Telecom Cable Business Group was invited as a guest speaker, for which he made the following comments. Based on Ta Ya's previous experiences working with Taiwan Power Company to produce 161kV and 345kV cables domestically, Vice President Chuang said: "Domestic production not only provides us with the needed technology, but creates employment opportunities as well. When malfunction occurs, a Taiwanese manufacturer would have the sense of urgency to resolve problem in the shortest time possible, whereas foreign manufacturers tend to spend time clarifying accountability. Domestic production also helps ensure rational pricing. Foreign manufacturers tend to make their entry first by offering extremely low prices, and then raise prices for everything that comes afterwards. Only when local manufacturers become capable of producing suitable substitutes may we ensure rational pricing. Domestic production is undoubtedly a policy that benefits all people."

       Next, Chairman Hsu Wen-Du of China Steel Machinery Corporation (a manufacturer of wind power generators) and Deputy Manager Lin Chukuan of CECI Engineering (a port construction company) each shared their experiences on how international cooperations can be arranged to facilitate transfer of technology and domestic production. Chief Chen Yicheng from Department of Renewable Energy, Taiwan Power Company, pointed out that: "Taiwan Power Company used to be shackled by procurement regulations that resulted in frequent disruption of supply of wind power parts and technicians. In recent years, however, capacity utilization of wind power generators has increased. Taiwan Power Company is looking forward to seeing local participants in tenders bid for the two offshore wind power generators in August this year, and for the onshore wind power construction scheduled to take place in 2020. By engaging local businesses in the development, production, and maintenance process, we can help build independence of our industry."