Local group Swancor and Germany’s Wpd have sealed power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Taiwanese utility Taipower for major projects off Taiwan’s coasts, reports said, in another step forward for the island’s growing status as global offshore wind destination.

Swancor confirmed its deal with Taipower for output from the 376MW Formosa 2 project, which it is developing in conjunction with investment giant Macquarie.

The developer said it is “very grateful to the competent authorities at all levels and the support and assistance of domestic and foreign partners, in order to successfully sign a power purchase and sale contract with Taipower”.

Swancor is also involved in building the 120MW Formosa 1 as a minority partner in conjunction with Macquarie and Denmark’s Orsted.

Wpd’s 640MW Yunlin project also signed a PPA with Taipower, according to a report in the Taipei Times. A spokesperson for the German developer declined to comment on the report when contacted by Recharge.

A clutch of developers are trying to tie-up PPAs with Taipower before the end of 2018, giving them access to a higher feed-in tariff before it falls for those that sign deals in 2019.

The prerequisite for being granted PPAs include several key government approvals including for a developer’s industry localisation plan, maritime zones and permits related to fishing.

Wind

Taipower offshore wind PPAs flagged for Swancor and Wpd