TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- The College of Engineering at National Taiwan University has launched an offshore wind power program, aiming to help cultivate renewable energy talent.
Students enrolled in the program must complete at least 15 credits, including courses in floating systems, mooring design, anchor selection, and installation, to receive the certification. The curriculum is regularly updated to align with industry needs and the latest developments in offshore wind power, attracting students from various fields, per CNA.
Chiang Mao-hsiung (江茂雄), a professor in NTU's Engineering Science Department, said the program's teaching facilities simulate an offshore wind farm with wind turbines, wave generators, wind power generators, and marine environmental monitoring systems. The university's teaching center for renewable energy applications is expected to be completed by the end of this year and will also be open for industry training.
Chiang noted that nearly 100 students have earned certificates from the program. He added that Taiwan has established a supply chain and offers abundant job opportunities in the sector.
The program was launched in 2018 after Chiang and other faculty members traveled to the Technical University of Denmark to study their talent development systems and learn from supply chain manufacturers. The trip was in response to Taiwan's lack of teaching staff and course materials for wind power at the time.
Chiang highlighted that offshore wind power is a relatively safe energy source that can help Taiwan achieve energy self-sufficiency. He added that the favorable wind conditions in the Taiwan Strait provide excellent opportunities for wind farm development and have attracted many foreign investors.
According to Taipower, Taiwan's wind farms generate stronger electricity from October to March due to the monsoon. As of last year, Taiwan had installed a total of 374 offshore wind turbines with a combined capacity of 3.04 GW. Wind and solar power account for approximately 4% and 5% of Taiwan's total electricity generation, respectively.