Milestones Achieved at Taiwan’s Fengmiao 1 Offshore Wind Farm
Two significant construction milestones have recently been reached at the 495 MW Fengmiao 1 offshore wind farm, situated approximately 35 kilometers off the coast of Taichung, Taiwan. These achievements reflect progress in harnessing renewable energy, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to expanding offshore wind capabilities.
The Completion of Cable Connections
On August 5, Jan De Nul announced the completion of a pivotal task: the export cable connection to the offshore substation. Their specialized cable-laying vessel, the Willem de Vlamingh, successfully pulled the project’s two high-voltage export cables into the substation. This step marks the culmination of extensive efforts, which included loading, installing, burying, and protecting the cables — all essential for ensuring that the power generated can efficiently be transmitted to the grid.
Earlier this year, the installation of the 45-kilometer and 44-kilometer export cables was completed ahead of schedule. These cables were temporarily stored offshore until the substation’s installation was finalized, showcasing the meticulous planning involved in this offshore construction project.
Offshore Substation Installation
In coordination with Jan De Nul’s efforts, CDWE — a joint venture formed by DEME and Taiwan’s CSBC — announced that it had successfully completed the installation of the offshore substation, alongside its foundation, on the same day. Utilizing the offshore installation vessel Green Jade, CDWE transported and installed 99 pin piles and the substation foundation well ahead of the planned timeline.
Notably, the substation’s combined weight, exceeding 8,000 tons, makes it the largest ever installed in Taiwan, as confirmed by DEME. This milestone not only emphasizes engineering prowess but also signifies a leap forward in the nation’s offshore energy infrastructure.
Supporting Infrastructure for Wind Turbines
With the offshore substation now securely in place and connected to the export cables, the focus will shift to the installation of the wind turbine foundations. CDWE is tasked with transporting and installing 33 jacket foundations, which are being manufactured locally by Century Wind Power. These foundations are vital for the upcoming installation of Vestas V236-15.0 MW wind turbines, a leading technology in offshore wind energy.
In addition, Van Oord has been entrusted with the responsibility of transporting, installing, and burying the project’s 33 inter-array cables, further enhancing the connectivity and efficiency of the wind farm’s operation.
Financial Backbone and Future Aspirations
Developed by Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP) on behalf of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), Fengmiao 1 achieved financial close in 2025 as the pioneering project within Taiwan’s Round 3 offshore wind initiatives. The wind farm is on track to commence commercial operations in 2027, adding a crucial segment to Taiwan’s renewable energy landscape.
The successful completion of these milestones reflects not just technical achievements but also a solid commitment from local and international stakeholders to establish Taiwan as a leader in offshore wind energy. As this project unfolds, it is set to play a vital role in the country’s shift towards sustainable energy sources, contributing significantly to its energy security and environmental goals.