In recent days, with the strengthening of the northeast monsoon, both onshore and offshore wind power generation in Taiwan have reached new records. In addition to actively harnessing Taiwan's wind resources for wind power development, on October 3, 2023, Taipower partnered with AiSails Power Inc., a subsidiary of the Wistron Group, to sign a "High-Altitude Wind Energy System Test Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)". This MOU is the first of its kind in Asia and involves the adoption of German Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) technology. Testing will be conducted at Taipower's Changbin Photovoltaic Field over a period of 2 years. The system's unique feature is its ability to be deployed and retrieved as needed, making it similar to a "mobile power plant". Taipower stated that it will continue to collaborate with various sectors on emerging green energy technologies, working together to accelerate the carbon-free power transition for the country.
Taipower signed the Airborne Wind Energy MOU with AiSails Power today at the Taipower Building. Representing the two sides were Taipower's Renewable Energy Department Director Ying-Sheng Tsai and AiSails Power's Chairman and Wistron's Advanced Technology Lab President Donald Hwang. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Taipower Vice President Tsao-Hua Hsu.
Taipower Vice President Tsao-Hua Hsu stated that Taipower is responding to the global trend of achieving net-zero emissions by actively developing renewable energy. He expects that the collaboration with AiSails Power will promote the application of green energy emerging technologies, allowing the two companies to collectively advance toward the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the power sector by 2050.
Donald Hwang expressed his company's ongoing commitment to innovative research and development in the green energy field. He hopes that through the collaboration with Taipower, the development of domestic green energy technologies can be promoted.
Taipower stated that the signing of this MOU will involve the introduction of two Airborne Wind Energy devices with a combined capacity of 200 kW, developed by SkySails in Germany and previously tested in grid-connected trials in Germany and Africa. This technology involves deploying Airborne Wind Energy devices at altitudes of 200 to 400 meters, harnessing stronger winds to drive power generation units on the ground for generating electricity. Additionally, these devices can be deployed and retrieved as needed, making them similar to "mobile power plants".
Taipower explained that the Airborne Wind Energy technology will be introduced to Taiwan for the first time in Asia. The testing site will be located at Taipower's Changbin Photovoltaic Field, which offers a spacious area for the trials. The testing and data collection period will last for 2 years. Depending on the results of the trials, there are plans to further apply this technology to offshore islands. This would help overcome the terrain limitations associated with existing forms of power generation, allowing for efficient utilization of renewable energy sources while enhancing the energy self-sufficiency ratio and strengthening the stability of power grids on offshore islands.
Spokesperson: Professional Chief Administrator Chih-Meng Tsai
Contact Number: (02)2366-6271/0958-749-333
E-mail: u910707@taipower.com.tw
Business Contact: Director Ying-Sheng Tsai, Renewable Energy Department
Contact Number: (02)2366-8650/0988-980-032
E-mail: u746723@taipower.com.tw