In 2021, Taipower connected the first phase of offshore wind power generation to the grid, inaugurating the nation’s first offshore wind power integration base—the Changhua Offshore Substation. By the end of 2022, the second phase of offshore wind power had also entered the construction phase. Now, in collaboration with Reiju Construction and the internationally renowned architectural firm MVRDV, Taipower is creating its historic first green energy operation and maintenance center named “Sun Rock”. The building’s exterior will be covered with solar panels, resembling an armadillo. It is expected to generate nearly 1 million kWh of green energy annually, not only meeting its own needs but also feeding surplus energy back into the grid. It aims to be Taiwan’s first net-zero emission building. A groundbreaking ceremony was held today (August 13, 2023). Taipower stated that construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. In addition to serving as its own offshore wind power operation and a maintenance base and storage center for renewable energy equipment materials, it also contributes toward achieving net-zero electricity.

Today (August 13, 2023), Taipower held the “Taipower Warehouse for Offshore Wind Power Plant Operation and Maintenance Center Groundbreaking and Blessing Ceremony” in the Changhua Binhai Industrial Zone. Dignitaries from various sectors, including Premier Chen Chien-Jen, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Lin Tzu-Lun, legislators Hsieh Yi-Fong and Huang Shiou-Fang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Acting Chairman of Taipower Tseng Wen-Sheng, Changhua County Deputy Magistrate Lin Tien-Fu, and Taipower President Wang Yao-Ting, gathered to witness a milestone in Taipower’s green energy development.

• Today (August 13, 2023), Taipower held the groundbreaking and blessing ceremony for the “Taipower Warehouse for Offshore Wind Power Plant Operation and Maintenance Center” in the Changhua Binhai Industrial Zone. Distinguished guests from various sectors were invited to witness this milestone in Taipower’s green energy development. From left to right: Central Taiwan Joint Services Center, Executive Yuan, Deputy Director Hung Chun-Yi, Central Taiwan Joint Services Center, Executive Yuan, Executive Director Hsu Ting-Chen, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Acting Chairman of Taipower Tseng Wen-Sheng, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Lin Tzu-Lun, Executive Yuan Secretary-General Li Meng-yen, Premier Chen Chien-Jen, Changhua County Deputy Magistrate Lin Tien-Fu, legislators Hsieh Yi-Fong and Huang Shiou-Fang, Changhua City Council Deputy Speaker Hsu Yuan-Lung, Taipower President Wang Yao-Ting, and Reiju Construction Vice President Hsieh Wen-Yen.

Taipower stated that to meet the ongoing operational and maintenance demands of the growing green energy sector, they have collaborated with Reiju Construction and MVRDV, a renowned Dutch architectural firm with a portfolio of over 800 projects in over 40 countries, including the Rotterdam Markhal in the Netherlands and Tainan Spring in Taiwan. Together, they are establishing Taiwan’s first green energy operation and maintenance center, known as “Sun Rock”, in Changhua. This center is envisioned to become Taiwan's first “Net Zero Building”.

Taipower states that “Sun Rock” will serve as the installation facility and operation base for more than 50 wind turbines of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 offshore wind farms. It will also function as a storage center for materials related to onshore wind turbines, solar panels, maintenance tools, and equipment. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, and aims to significantly enhance the maintenance efficiency of Taipower’s green energy infrastructure.

• Taipower initiated the Phase 1 offshore project off the coast of Fangyuan, Changhua. In August 2021, 21 wind turbines were connected to generate electricity, producing an average annual output of 360 million kWh.

MVRDV’s co-founder Winy Maas stated that “Sun Rock” is designed with a focus on maximizing sunlight utilization, taking advantage of the abundant sunshine in Changhua. Through this design approach, the building achieves energy self-sufficiency while also producing green energy, generating electricity to contribute back to the Taiwan power grid.

Taipower explained that for a building to be considered a “net-zero building”, it must receive energy efficiency certification from the Ministry of the Interior; more importantly, the renewable energy generated by the building must fully meet its own electricity consumption needs, resulting in a balanced energy equation. Besides serving as Taipower’s offshore wind power operation and maintenance center, the exterior design of “Sun Rock” integrates green energy principles and maximizes the abundant sunlight of Changhua through substantial solar panel coverage.

Taipower further explained that the positioning and angle of each solar panel on “Sun Rock” is meticulously analyzed and confirmed through precise modeling based on extensive data, including sunlight position, orientation, hour, building area, and solar panel efficiency. As a result of this detailed analysis, the completed structure is projected to generate nearly 1 million kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the monthly electricity consumption of about 3,000 households. The estimated carbon reduction benefit is around 500 metric tons, challenging the traditional energy-consuming perception of buildings. With this level of electricity generation, the projected energy density (the ratio of annual electricity consumption to floor area) could reach -19. Not only will the building achieve self-sufficiency, but it will also feed surplus electricity back into the grid. It is expected to become Taiwan’s first zero-energy net-zero building, which, combined with its eye-catching aesthetics, has earned it the moniker of a “power-generating armadillo”.

• Taipower held a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony for the “Taipower Warehouse for Offshore Wind Power Plant Operation and Maintenance Center” at the Changhua Binhai Industrial Zone on August 13th, with attendees praying for the construction’s smooth progress.

Spokesperson: General Manager Tsai Chih-Meng

Contact Number: (02)2366-6271/0958-749-333

E-mail: u910707@taipower.com.tw

Business Contact: Director Chen Hsien-Neng, Construction Department

Contact Number: (02)2366-6920/ 0919-219-855

E-mail: u496707@taipower.com.tw