European Offshore Wind Companies Taiwan Offices: 2025 Guide

European offshore wind companies Taiwan offices are at the center of Asia’s renewable energy revolution. Taiwan has become one of the fastest-growing offshore wind markets in the world, and leading European firms are setting up local offices to manage billion-dollar investments, partnerships, and technology transfer.

In this guide, we’ll explore why Taiwan is attracting European offshore wind companies, which companies are leading the expansion, how local offices operate, and what this means for Taiwan’s renewable energy landscape in 2025 and beyond.

Table of Contents

Introduction

European offshore wind companies Taiwan offices are playing a pivotal role in transforming Asia’s renewable energy landscape. Taiwan has emerged as the most attractive offshore wind market in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by ambitious government targets, strong financial incentives, and a commitment to phase out nuclear energy. To achieve these goals, Taiwan has actively invited global offshore wind leaders — particularly from Europe — to establish local offices and bring their expertise, capital, and advanced technology to the island nation.

For decades, Europe has been the global pioneer in offshore wind energy, with large-scale projects in the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic setting industry standards. Now, European firms such as Ørsted, RWE, WPD, and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) are bringing this experience to Taiwan. By setting up Taipei-based offices, these companies can directly manage billion-dollar offshore wind farms, develop local supply chains, ensure compliance with Taiwan’s regulations, and train the next generation of Taiwanese engineers.

The strategic importance of these offices extends beyond project management. They serve as bridges between European innovation and Taiwanese ambition, ensuring that offshore wind farms are developed to withstand local environmental conditions such as typhoons and seismic activity. They also facilitate collaboration between Taiwan’s government, universities, and domestic industries, leading to long-term benefits such as job creation, infrastructure upgrades, and the localization of advanced offshore wind technology.

In this guide, we will explore why Taiwan has become a top destination for offshore wind investment, which European offshore wind companies have established offices in Taiwan, how these offices function, and what their presence means for Taiwan’s economic and environmental future. By understanding the role of these offices, stakeholders can better navigate opportunities in Taiwan’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.

Definition: What Are European Offshore Wind Companies’ Taiwan Offices?

European offshore wind companies’ Taiwan offices are regional branches or subsidiaries set up by European renewable energy firms to:

Manage large-scale offshore wind projects in Taiwanese waters.
Coordinate with Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and local authorities.
Oversee supply chains, engineering, and construction.
Develop partnerships with Taiwanese firms for localization requirements.

These offices are not just administrative centers — they act as operational hubs for billion-dollar projects.

Why Taiwan Attracts European Offshore Wind Investment

1. Government Policy

Taiwan’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and auction schemes attract foreign investment.
Local content requirements encourage collaboration with Taiwanese suppliers.

2. Geographic Advantage

Taiwan’s western coast offers ideal wind conditions with shallow waters.
Close proximity to Asian markets makes it a regional hub.

3. Energy Transition Goals

Taiwan aims to install 5.7 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2025.
Long-term ambition: over 20 GW by 2035.

4. Strong European Expertise

European companies bring decades of experience from the North Sea.
Proven track record in large-scale offshore projects.

Major European Offshore Wind Companies in Taiwan

Several European firms have established Taiwan offices, including:

Ørsted (Denmark) – Leading projects like Greater Changhua Offshore Wind Farms.
RWE Renewables (Germany) – Active in Round 3 offshore wind development.
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP, Denmark) – Co-developing Changfang and Xidao projects.
WPD (Germany) – Developing Yunlin Offshore Wind Project.
EDPR / ENGIE (France/Portugal) – Partners in Formosa projects.

Each maintains Taipei offices to coordinate engineering, legal, and compliance matters.

Functions of Taiwan Offices

Project Development: Overseeing site surveys, permitting, and construction.
Local Partnerships: Working with Taiwanese shipyards, cable manufacturers, and turbine suppliers.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring projects align with Taiwan’s renewable policies.
Talent Development: Hiring and training Taiwanese engineers and managers.
Innovation & R&D: Testing new offshore technologies adapted for typhoon conditions.

Step-by-Step: How European Companies Establish Taiwan Offices

Market Research
- Assess Taiwan’s offshore wind regulations and energy roadmap.
Legal Incorporation
- Register as a foreign branch, subsidiary, or representative office.
- Typical locations: Taipei, Kaohsiung.
Government Approvals
- Obtain permits from Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs.
- Meet local content requirements.
Office Setup
- Lease office space, hire local staff, and establish corporate banking.
Project Execution
- Begin offshore surveys, engineering, and supply chain integration.

Regulatory, Accounting & Compliance Requirements

Foreign Company Registration: Required for full operations.
Taxation: Corporate tax ~20%; incentives may apply to renewable projects.
Accounting: Annual audits required for subsidiaries.
Employment: Compliance with Taiwan’s labor laws and local hiring quotas.
Localization: Government mandates a certain % of local supply chain involvement.

Impact on Taiwan’s Economy & Energy Transition

European offshore wind companies’ Taiwan offices contribute by:

Creating thousands of jobs in construction and engineering.
Driving technology transfer from Europe to Asia.
Stimulating Taiwan’s shipbuilding and steel industries.
Supporting Taiwan’s energy independence and carbon reduction goals.

Case Studies: European Offshore Wind Projects in Taiwan

Ørsted – Greater Changhua 1 & 2a

One of Taiwan’s largest offshore wind projects (900 MW).
Ørsted’s Taipei office leads development and operations.

CIP – Changfang & Xidao Projects

Danish fund investing $3 billion in Taiwan offshore wind.
Local office manages partnerships with Taiwanese suppliers.

WPD – Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm

A $2 billion project facing engineering challenges.
Taiwan office coordinates local contractors and regulators.

Industry-Specific Opportunities & Partnerships

Shipbuilding: Taiwan’s shipyards adapting to build offshore vessels.
Cabling: Partnerships with Nexans, NKT, and local cable producers.
Ports: Kaohsiung and Taichung ports upgraded to support offshore construction.
Universities: Training programs between European firms and Taiwanese institutions.

Challenges & Common Mistakes

Challenge	Solution
Complex local content rules	Partner early with Taiwanese suppliers
Typhoon & seismic risks	Use reinforced turbine designs
Regulatory delays	Maintain strong government relations
Shortage of skilled labor	Invest in training programs

Best Practices for Setting Up Offshore Wind Offices in Taiwan

Early Engagement: Build relationships with local regulators.
Strong Local Partnerships: Collaborate with Taiwanese firms.
Cultural Adaptation: Invest in cross-cultural management.
Risk Management: Plan for environmental and technical risks.
Sustainability Reporting: Align with ESG standards.

Tools, Resources & Professional Support

Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) – Permits and policies.
European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT) – Offshore wind committee.
Industry Platforms: Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), WindEurope.
Consultants & Law Firms: Specializing in Taiwan offshore wind regulation.

FAQs

Why are European offshore wind companies setting up Taiwan offices?

To oversee billion-dollar projects, manage local partnerships, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Which European offshore wind companies operate in Taiwan?

Ørsted, RWE, CIP, WPD, EDPR, and ENGIE are major players with Taiwan offices.

Do Taiwan offices hire local talent?

Yes, most companies hire Taiwanese engineers, managers, and support staff.

How does Taiwan benefit from these offices?

Job creation, technology transfer, renewable energy capacity, and infrastructure upgrades.

Are there risks for European companies in Taiwan’s offshore wind sector?

Yes—regulatory delays, local content challenges, and typhoon risks, but proper planning mitigates them.

Can Taiwan become Asia’s offshore wind hub?

Yes, Taiwan is already considered the “gateway to Asia” for offshore wind development.

Do these offices handle financing and tax matters?

Yes, most Taiwan offices manage corporate tax, accounting, and compliance.

Conclusion

European offshore wind companies Taiwan offices play a transformative role in Asia’s renewable future. They bring global expertise, capital, and innovation while boosting Taiwan’s economy and energy security.