Taiwan Sets Ambitious Offshore Wind Targets Through 2039

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs has unveiled a medium and long-term strategy targeting up to 27.9 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2039. The 2026 to 2039 Offshore Wind Development Roadmap forms part of an ongoing drive to expand renewable energy and strengthen the country's energy security. The plan includes regular auctions releasing around 8 GW of capacity every four years, though industry figures have cautioned that meeting the nearer-term 2030 target of 10.9 GW will prove challenging.

 

The Roadmap Targets

 

The strategy sets out substantial capacity goals across more than a decade. The roadmap targets 18.3 to 19.9 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2035. This is set to increase to between 24.7 and 27.9 GW by 2039. These figures represent a significant expansion of the country's renewable base. The plan positions offshore wind as central to Taiwan's energy strategy.

The roadmap also reaffirms confidence in a nearer-term milestone. Analysts noted the Taiwanese government remains confident about its 2030 target. That target calls for 10.9 GW of installed capacity by the end of the decade. Achieving it would provide a foundation for the later, larger goals. The government has framed this as an achievable step toward its longer-term ambitions.

 

Auction Mechanism and Investment Certainty

 

The plan relies on a structured auction process to attract investment. The government will conduct regular offshore wind auctions to provide investment certainty. It intends to release approximately 8 GW of development capacity every four years. This predictable cadence is designed to give developers confidence to commit. Regular auctions allow the sector to plan around a stable pipeline of opportunities.

The strategy also extends to emerging technologies within the sector. The roadmap advances floating offshore wind demonstration projects alongside fixed capacity. Floating technology could unlock sites in deeper waters unsuitable for conventional foundations. Demonstration projects allow the technology to be tested before wider deployment. This forward-looking element broadens the range of resources the country can pursue.

 

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Supporting Industrial and Financial Frameworks

 

The roadmap places significant emphasis on domestic industry. It prioritises strengthening domestic supply chains to support the sector's growth. Expanding green finance forms a further element of the strategy. The mobilisation of private capital is also central to the plan. Together these measures aim to build a self-sustaining industrial base around offshore wind.

A predictable policy environment is presented as the foundation for this growth. The roadmap notes that a stable framework is key to supporting industrial growth and energy resilience. It links these goals to meeting demand from high-tech industries and RE100 companies. These companies have committed to sourcing renewable electricity for their operations. The strategy connects this demand to Taiwan's broader 2050 net-zero emissions objective.

 

Concerns Over the 2030 Target

 

Industry observers have raised doubts about the nearer-term goals. One managing director said meeting the 2030 target of 10.9 GW would be challenging. It would require every awarded project to reach completion within the next 4.5 years. Success would depend on close cooperation across all parties involved. This includes central and local government, financiers, developers and suppliers working together.

Specific concerns centre on the design of the current auction round. The Round 3.3 auction opened in April 2026 and is due to close in September. In theory, 3.6 GW could be awarded through this round. However, industry concern suggests the round's design could result in only 1.5 GW being awarded. Such an outcome would throw the 10.9 GW by 2030 target into doubt.

 

Coordination Challenges and Current Progress

 

Delivering the larger capacity releases will require improved planning coordination. Bringing 8 GW online every four years presents a substantial challenge. This will need better coordinated marine spatial planning across the sector. Grid planning must also be strengthened to accommodate the new capacity. Coordination between ministries and local government is identified as essential to success.

Taiwan has nonetheless made considerable progress to date. The ministry reported that 508 turbines have already been installed. These represent a cumulative capacity of 4.9 GW across the country. Taiwan now operates eight offshore wind farms in total. This progress places the country fifth globally in overall offshore wind capacity.