Aarhus, Denmark
June 23, 2020

Another key component to be sourced locally in Taiwan

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has concluded a contract to source high voltage switchgear from within Taiwan, expanding existing supply chain commitments and becoming the first offshore wind turbine supplier to localise switchgear.

MHI Vestas has finalised a purchase agreement with Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. (Mitsubishi Electric) to source switchgear for upcoming offshore wind projects in Taiwan through the participation of local Taiwanese manufacturer, Shihlin Electric and Engineering Corporation (SEEC). The purchase agreement is expected to enable Mitsubishi Electric and SEEC to build expertise through supplying MHI Vestas’ Taiwanese offshore wind projects, to prepare for potential export to the broader Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

The assembly and testing of high voltage (66kV) switchgear, a key electrical component in offshore wind turbines to help control and protect electrical equipment, will be done at SEEC’s factory in Hsinchu, with first delivery in 2022 for projects to be installed in 2023 and 2024. MHI Vestas is the first offshore wind turbine manufacturer to source high voltage switchgear from within Taiwan.

In collaboration with developers Copenhagen Investment Partners (CIP) and China Steel Corporation (CSC), MHI Vestas has developed and is in the process of delivering the leading supply chain localisation plan for offshore wind projects in Taiwan.

“The fact that we will be able to source switchgear locally in Taiwan is a significant achievement for MHI Vestas and for the development of the local offshore wind supply chain in-country,” said Maida Zahirovic, MHI Vestas’ Taiwan Business Director. ”We will continue delivering the leading localisation plan in Taiwan in conjunction with our local partners, and we look forward to working with Mitsubishi Electric and SEEC on switchgear production, helping them to prepare for export throughout the APAC region.”

“Working closely with our reputable partner SEEC in Taiwan is really a great opportunity,” said Toshimitsu Ito, Senior General Manager of Mitsubishi Electric. “We are committed to contributing to Taiwan’s sustainable society, by supplying localised switchgear to MHI Vestas in its Taiwanese projects.”

“With this memorable step, Shihlin is grateful to be a supply chain partner for Mitsubisi Electric and to be able to contribute to the future development of renewable energy in Taiwan”, said Yang Tsun-Ching, Vice Chief Operations Officer of SEEC.

MHI Vestas has been awarded firm contracts for the Changfang and Xidao projects developed by CIP (total combined capacity of 589 MW), as well as preferred supplier status for the 300 MW Zhong Neng project developed by CSC and CIP.

Presently, MHI Vestas has signed firm purchase agreements for critical components such as blades and blade materials (bonding glue, resin, pultruded carbon plates), and has also signed a contract in Taiwan for tower supply.
 

About MHI Vestas Offshore Wind
MHI Vestas Offshore Wind is a joint venture between Vestas Wind Systems A/S (50%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (50%). The company’s focus is to design, manufacture, install and service wind turbines for the offshore wind industry. The company aims to create sustainable value through offshore wind power by driving capital and operating savings and increasing the power output of wind turbines. An innovative force in offshore wind since its inception in 2014, the company is guided by its founding principles of collaboration, trust, technology and commitment.

About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
With nearly 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. Embracing the spirit of its corporate statement, Changes for the Better, and its environmental statement, Eco Changes, Mitsubishi Electric endeavours to be a global, leading green company, enriching society with technology. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 4,519.9 billion yen (in accordance with IFRS; US$40.7 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. For more information visit: www.MitsubishiElectric.com *At an exchange rate of 111 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2019.

About Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.
Mitsubishi Electric Europe Power System Group is a branch office of Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan. The Power Systems Group is responsible for high voltage power systems and services in Europe. At our European T&D head office in Croydon, UK, the technological strengths of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation are combined with a proven track record in engineering design, project management and international construction, learnt over three decades supplying international customers with state-of-the-art substation technology.

About Shihlin Electric Co.
Shihlin Electric & Engineering Corporation was established in 1955. The company has been a leader in the domestic market with advanced technology in heavy electrical systems, electrical equipment, machinery and automation for a long time. With sustained growth in revenue from domestic and overseas sources, the company has engaged in joint ventures with famous international firms. This has strengthened the capacity of the company in research and development as well as manufacturing to international standards in terms of specifications and technological know-how.