Taiwan Delegation Visits South Korea to Exchange Expertise on Floating Offshore Wind and Hydrogen Energy Development

In recent years, the Taiwanese government has actively expanded its renewable energy generation capacity while pushing forward energy transition policies and setting a target for carbon neutrality by 2050. These efforts have already started yielding results, particularly in the offshore wind power sector.

Under the guidance of Taiwan’s Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection (BSMI), the Ship and Ocean Industries R&D Center (CR) collaborated with TÜV SÜD to organize a five-day visit to Seoul and Ulsan, South Korea. The delegation included representatives from Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Taiwan International Windpower Training Corporation (TIWTC), Dong Fang Offshore (DFO), DWT Marine, SRE Technology, MIRDC, Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, SOIC, Taiwan Accreditation Foundation, and WindTAIWAN. Arranged by TÜV SÜD Korea, the group was hosted by South Korea’s major corporations, including Hyundai Group, Hyosung Group, and Taihan Cable, as well as the Ulsan Metropolitan Government.

An Intensive 5-Day Program

The delegation’s itinerary was packed with activities. In Seoul, the team visited TÜV SÜD Korea, Korea Offshore Wind Power (KOWP), and CIP Korea to discuss the progress of offshore wind policies in Taiwan and South Korea. They also visited Hyosung Groupto learn about wind energy component manufacturing and hydrogen equipment production. At HD Hyundai, the group explored cutting-edge hydrogen energy research and wind component designs.

In Ulsan, the delegation visited Taihan Cable, a company specializing in the design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of subsea cables, offering full lifecycle services.

Hydrogen Energy Development in Ulsan

Designated as a hydrogen demonstration city in 2019, Ulsan has aggressively developed its hydrogen infrastructure, including underground pipelines and hydrogen refueling stations. The delegation visited key facilities and engaged in in-depth discussions to prepare Taiwan for future hydrogen energy advancements.

While in Ulsan, the group was hosted by Hyundai Group and the Ulsan Metropolitan Government. They toured HLB, a Hyundai subsidiary developing hydrogen fuel cell ships, and experienced hydrogen-powered vessels firsthand. They also visited Hyundai’s global production base to learn about advanced hydrogen and electric vehicle planning.

Other visits included Ulsan’s hydrogen power plants and demonstration sites, where the group observed hydrogen infrastructure planning, pipeline layouts, and hydrogen transportation strategies. The delegation also visited maritime hydrogen refueling stations and autonomous vessel research facilities. The trip concluded with a tour of Hyundai Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Ulsan.

Insights and Collaborative Opportunities

Cheng Chih-Wen, CEO of CR and leader of the delegation, highlighted that Taiwan has committed significant resources to offshore wind and hydrogen energy development to achieve its 2050 net-zero target. He noted that Ulsan’s experience in hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization offers valuable lessons for Taiwan. The visit fostered extensive exchanges and created a network of friendships, paving the way for future collaborations.

Representatives from Ulsan expressed optimism about its potential to become a global hydrogen hub and emphasized their willingness to collaborate with Taiwan’s public, private, and research sectors on renewable energy projects, including hydrogen and wind energy, to advance sustainable energy transitions.

Voices from the Delegation

Chen Jung-Tsung, General Manager of TIPC’s Taichung Branch, stated that as a state-owned enterprise, TIPC is committed to supporting Taiwan’s net-zero policies. Insights from the visit on hydrogen storage, pipeline transportation, and refueling operations will help assess resources across Taiwan’s ports and integrate hydrogen energy into port infrastructure.

Wang Shan-Hung, Director of Industrial Services at TÜV SÜD, expressed gratitude for TÜV SÜD Korea’s efforts in facilitating connections with Hyundai and Hyosung. He hopes the visit will strengthen Taiwan-South Korea collaborations in energy transition initiatives.

The visit successfully laid the groundwork for further cooperation between Taiwan and South Korea in the fields of offshore wind and hydrogen energy, advancing shared goals of sustainable energy development.

Original article from WindTAIWAN: Click here