Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has introduced a medium- and long-term offshore wind development strategy covering the period from 2026 to 2039. The plan targets an increase in installed offshore wind capacity to 24.7–27.9 GW by the end of the period, up from the current 4.9 GW.
Under the program, Taiwan intends to commission 15–18 GW of new offshore wind capacity while holding auctions for offshore wind projects every four years. Around 8 GW of capacity is expected to be allocated during each auction cycle, providing developers and suppliers with a more predictable pipeline for long-term investment planning.
According to government projections, installed offshore wind capacity will reach 18.3–19.9 GW by 2035, while the previously announced target of 10.9 GW by 2030 remains unchanged.
Rising Electricity Demand Drives Offshore Wind Expansion
The expansion of offshore wind power is being driven by an expected 2.5% annual increase in electricity demand between 2026 and 2035. The main drivers are Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, high-tech manufacturing, and artificial intelligence sectors, all of which require a stable and reliable power supply.
The government also plans to begin developing floating offshore wind farms, enabling projects in deeper waters that are unsuitable for conventional fixed-bottom foundations.
The strategy includes support for domestic supply chains, expanded green financing, streamlined permitting procedures, and regular auction rounds aimed at encouraging investment in:
- specialized installation vessels;
- port infrastructure;
- wind turbine component manufacturing;
- other specialized offshore equipment.
The expansion of offshore wind energy forms part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels, and increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power mix to 30%.
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