Offshore wind takes off in China and Taiwan

Subject

Offshore wind power in China and Taiwan.

Significance

The world’s first offshore wind hubs outside of northern Europe are being established in China and Taiwan as the cost of offshore wind moves towards subsidy-free levels.

Impacts

• Rapid expansion of offshore wind will put pressure on distribution and transmission firms to integrate wind into their electricity systems.
• The development of mature Asian supply chains will make offshore wind increasingly affordable for other Asian countries.
• Floating wind farms will increase the sea depths in which offshore turbines can be constructed and thus the available resources.