Taiwan's Offshore Wind Power Surpasses 10 Billion kWh, Capacity 7 Times South Korea's

Taiwan's offshore wind power sector has achieved a significant milestone, generating over 10 billion kilowatt-hours in 2025 and boasting an installed capacity seven times greater than South Korea's. This remarkable progress has even drawn commendation from South Korean mainstream media.

A special feature by KBS, South Korea's largest public broadcaster, highlighted that while South Korea began its offshore wind initiatives in 2009, its progress has stalled. In contrast, Taiwan, which commenced its efforts in 2016, seven years later, now leads the Asia-Pacific region in offshore wind power, with its installed capacity far surpassing South Korea's.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan has installed over 500 offshore wind turbines, reaching an installed capacity of 4.8 GW. In 2025 alone, electricity generation exceeded 10 billion kilowatt-hours. The sector continues to attract foreign investment, with approximately $3 billion invested in the first three quarters of the previous year. A 2026 report by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) ranks Taiwan as the fifth-largest offshore wind market globally, following China, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands.

The Energy Administration attributes Taiwan's success to a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors, continuous policy refinement since the installation of the first two demonstration turbines in 2017. Key to this development have been streamlined administrative processes, including policy environmental impact assessments, fishing compensation mechanisms, and permit requirements. The government has established a single service window to address industry issues and facilitate cross-ministerial communication, ensuring a stable and predictable investment environment.

Economic Affairs Minister emphasized that offshore wind power is not only a crucial source of green energy for Taiwan but also a foundational infrastructure for industrial transformation and integration into international supply chains. The ministry is committed to further advancing the sector, balancing energy supply, environmental protection, and industrial development to enhance Taiwan's international competitiveness.