Taiwan-Europe Wind Industry Summit Focuses on  Supply Chain Building & Green Talent Training

TAICHUNG CITY, Taiwan, March 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — The "Taiwan-Europe Wind Industry Summit – Supply Chain Building & Green Talent Training," with the Taichung City Government Economic Development Bureau, European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT), Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), and Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) serving as organizers, TUV Rheinland and the Taiwan Wind Turbine Industry Association (TWTIA) as co-organizers, was held at the 4F Assembly Hall of Taichung City Hall on March 15 (Thu). European wind-industry experts as well as local industry, government, and academic representatives were invited to take part in the Summit, which was focused on cooperation and talent cultivation in the wind-industry supply chain. The event attracted participation by more than 500 attendees. Localization development policies, and the best ways to implement these policies, were discussed by experts from different backgrounds with the objective to promote active cooperation between Taiwanese and European businesses.

To realize the goal of a "Nuclear-free Homeland" by 2025 and support the transformation of Taiwan's energy structure, a letter of intent on the establishment of a joint Taiwan Wind Power Training Center was signed during the Summit. The construction of a cooperative platform for the wind-industry supply chain and for talent cultivation will help bring about the localization of the wind industry. Taiwan's "Ministry of Economic Affairs" (MOEA) forecasts indicate that up to TWD 33.2 billion will be invested in the domestic wind-industry value chain by 2025, generating industry output worth TWD 121.8 billion.

The green energy infrastructure component of the "Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program" sets a target of 4.2GW (1.2GW onshore + 3GW offshore) in cumulative installed wind-power capacity between 2017 and 2025. The goal is to develop internationally competitive wind farms for Taiwan. Taichung Port has also been designated by the Executive Yuan as the central Taiwan port for handling large components, and Changhua Fishing Port as location of a dedicated dock for operation & maintenance. Together, the two ports will create a key center for the development of the wind industry.

Government official such as Taichung City Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-ying, ECCT Chairman Hakan Cervell, and Head of European Economic and Trade Office (EETO) Madeleine Majorenko were invited to speak at the Summit. Jan Steinkohl, a Policy Officer in the European Commission's Directorate General for Energy, was also invited to deliver a speech on the European Union's regulatory framework and support schemes for offshore wind power.

The goal of offshore wind industry policy is to stimulate the long-term development of the wind-turbine manufacturing, maritime engineering, and wind farm O&M industries. Taiwan is set to move forward at full speed on the development of offshore wind power, but there is a shortage of maritime engineering expertise. The unique conditions related to working at sea means there are significant hidden risks, and the health and safety of workers are also at stake. The required talent will need to be cultivated through long-term cooperation between the industry and universities. TUV Rheinland is now helping the industry to cultivate local Taiwanese expertise, and provides professional training for those interested in entering the wind industry. This include courses on offshore wind-power HSE management, wind farm certification, technical personnel qualifications, NDT training , and welding certification, boosting industry competitiveness in key areas.

The purpose of this Summit was to promote the development of the wind industry by connecting resources from different sources. Representatives from each sector also held forums on topics such as wind-industry policy, supply-chain strategy, cultivation of onshore and offshore wind-power talent, as well as a road map and action plan for wind-power localization. Alex Chu, Vice General Manager of Industrial Services TUV Rheinland, was invited to chair the forum on the cultivation of onshore and offshore wind-power talent. Chu has over 12 years of experience in the wind industry. His expertise covers wind-industry testing, inspection, certification, and O&M. During the Summit, he shared his insights and engaged with other industry peers.

Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180315/2081068-1

SOURCE TUV Rheinland