MHI Vestas wind blade materials to be sourced in Taiwan

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (Aarhus, Denmark) announced on April 28 that it has finalized a contract with Swancor (Nan Tou, Taiwan) to source several key blade manufacturing components in Taiwan. The move is part of MHI Vestas’ localization plans in Taiwan, as well as strengthens Swancor's presence in the offshore wind sector. MHI Vestas says the scope of the Swancor contract covers a significant percentage of the direct materials value of overall blade manufacturing, including pultruded carbon plates, resin and bonding glue.

This is the second purchase agreement signed by MHI Vestas related to blade production in Taiwan, following selection of Tien Li Offshore Wind Technology Co. Ltd. to manufacture blades in a new facility to be built near Taichung Harbour.

“The addition of Swancor to our local suppliers is a significant boost to our ambitions in Taiwan,” says Maida Zahirovic, MHI Vestas’ Taiwan business director. “The local supply chain is currently under development in Taiwan, and we are pleased to support an established group such as Swancor broaden their presence in the offshore wind sector. We look forward to working together to create long-term Taiwanese jobs.”

MHI Vestas has been awarded firm contracts for the Changfang and Xidao projects developed by CIP (total combined capacity of 589 MW), as well as preferred supplier status for the 300 MW Zhong Neng project developed by CSC and CIP.

“Since 2018 we have been working closely with MHI Vestas on localization for blades," says Marina Hsu, CIP Changfang and Xidao Projects’ chief development offier. “… Now with Tien Li and Swancor, the right supply set up for blade manufacturing is in place. CIP is looking forward to receiving the first local fabricated offshore blade in Taiwan for its Changfang and Xidao projects.”