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Monopile Installation Complete at Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm

All 80 monopiles at Taiwan's Yunlin offshore wind farm are now in place, with 55 turbines installed and 42 connected to the grid.
Yunlin Skyborn

All 80 monopiles have been installed at the Yunlin offshore wind farm in Taiwan, with 55 wind turbines set up by the installation teams and more than half connected to the grid.

The initial monopile installation was handled by Sapura Energy Berhad, which completed 15 monopiles in 2020 and 2021. In February 2022, Sapura Energy issued a contract termination notice to the Yunneng Wind Power consortium, citing unresolved technical and operational issues.

After Sapura’s exit, the Abu Dhabi-based National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) took over the monopile installation. Around the same time, Yunneng hired Havfram for Project Management and Owners Engineer Services for the foundation installation package. Havfram began their role in 2022.

Since 2022, NMDC Energy, formerly NPCC, handled the monopile installation. Fred. Olsen Windcarrier (FOWIC) and Shimizu are collaborating for the transportation and installation of monopile foundations in 2024.

The wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) Blue Wind, under contract with FOWIC, is engaged as the installation vessel for both monopiles and wind turbines, along with NMDC Energy’s DLS-4200 and Seajacks Zaratan.

The first monopile in the 2024 installation campaign was installed in March. Last month, Jumbo Offshore completed the removal of two monopiles that were subject to pile runs during an earlier construction phase. The third affected monopile was removed last year.

The project team has installed all 80 monopiles, 72 transition pieces, 55 out of 80 Siemens Gamesa 8 MW wind turbines, 42 inter-array cables, and all twelve export cables.

Skyborn Renewables announced on social media that 42 of the wind turbines are connected to the grid, providing an energized capacity of 336 MW, making it Taiwan’s fourth-largest completed offshore wind farm.

“The project team will continue to work closely with all partners to steadily advance the finalization of the OWF, which is on track to complete the installation of 80 WTGs by the end of 2024,” said Skyborn Renewables.

Once completed, the 640 MW Yunlin wind farm is expected to power over 600,000 Taiwanese households. Located in the Taiwan Strait, the project has already contributed over 1.4 TWh of renewable energy to the grid, according to Skyborn Renewables.

The project company owning Yunneng Wind Power Co., Ltd. includes Skyborn Renewables (approx. 32%), TotalEnergies Renewables (approx. 29.5%), EGCO (approx. 26.5%), and Sojitz (approx. 12%).

Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024