Tackling the AI Green Power Crisis! Ministry of Economic Affairs Unveils Offshore Wind Long-Term Plan Targeting 27.9GW by 2039

To address the strong green power demand driven by the rapid growth of semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) and other high-tech industries, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has officially unveiled a mid-to-long-term development plan. Through cross-ministerial collaboration to systematically identify viable offshore wind zones, the plan introduces a four-year procurement cycle, aiming to add up to 18GW of new development capacity. The goal is to increase total offshore wind capacity to between 24.7GW and 27.9GW by 2039, significantly expanding green power supply, enhancing Taiwan's energy security, and steadily progressing toward the 2050 net-zero emissions target.

With the continued expansion of semiconductor, AI, and high-tech industries, Taiwan's annual electricity demand growth rate between 2026 and 2035 is projected to rise to 2.5%. Offshore wind power is expected to become a key stable source of green electricity. Through a three-phase offshore wind strategy—demonstration, potential, and block development—the MOEA has already installed over 500 offshore wind turbines, achieving a cumulative installed capacity of approximately 4.9GW.

To sustain previous achievements and meet future green power needs and industrial development, the MOEA has introduced an offshore wind development plan spanning 2026 to 2039. Through inter-ministerial cooperation to map out suitable sea areas, the plan aims to unlock an additional 15 to 18GW of developable capacity. It will implement a four-year procurement cycle, releasing approximately 8GW per phase, with the goal of completing all procurement by 2030 to establish a long-term, stable, and predictable development framework. The target is to reach 18.3–19.9GW of cumulative installed capacity by 2035 and further expand to 24.7–27.9GW by 2039, continuously enhancing green power supply and advancing steadily toward the 2050 net-zero goal.

The MOEA further explained that, through collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and Ministry of Agriculture, a systematic assessment of viable offshore wind zones has identified approximately 15–18GW of additional development potential. This capacity will be incorporated into the 2026–2039 offshore wind development plan, with approximately 8GW to be auctioned every four years. Floating offshore wind projects are also expected to launch in 2026. The government will continue to support offshore wind development through four key pillars: clear policy goals and roadmaps, fostering local industry growth, green finance mechanisms, and streamlined administrative procedures.

As of July 10, 2026, eight offshore wind farms in Taiwan have been completed. Last year, Taiwan ranked third globally in annual新增 offshore wind capacity and fifth in cumulative installed capacity. Annual generation has exceeded 10 billion kWh. Operational wind farms have withstood multiple typhoons and strong earthquakes, demonstrating the engineering quality and environmental resilience of Taiwan’s offshore wind infrastructure. The government will continue to foster a stable investment environment through clear policy direction and inter-ministerial coordination, ensuring steady development of offshore wind power, stable green electricity supply, industrial global competitiveness, energy security, and environmental sustainability.