Taiwan leads Asia-Pacific offshore wind power market; Japan and South Korea making progress - digitimes
Published March 02, 2026
Taiwan Leads Asia-Pacific Offshore Wind Power Market; Japan and South Korea Making Progress
Taiwan has emerged as a frontrunner in the offshore wind power sector within the Asia-Pacific region, showcasing significant advancements and developments in renewable energy. The country has established itself as a leader, while Japan and South Korea are also making strides in their respective offshore wind initiatives.
According to recent reports, Taiwan's offshore wind power capacity is expected to reach approximately 5.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2025. This ambitious target is driven by the government's commitment to transitioning towards renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The Taiwanese government has set a goal of generating 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025, with offshore wind power playing a critical role in achieving this target.
As of now, Taiwan has already commissioned several offshore wind farms, with notable projects including the Formosa 1 and Formosa 2 wind farms. Formosa 1, which began operations in 2016, has a capacity of 8 megawatts (MW), while Formosa 2, which started operations in 2020, boasts a capacity of 120 MW. These projects have set the stage for further investments and developments in the offshore wind sector.
In addition to the existing projects, Taiwan is also in the process of developing the larger Formosa 3 project, which is expected to have a total capacity of 2.4 GW. This project, once completed, will significantly contribute to Taiwan's renewable energy goals and solidify its position as a leader in the offshore wind market.
Japan is also making significant progress in the offshore wind sector, although it still lags behind Taiwan in terms of capacity. The Japanese government has set a target of 10 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, with plans to expand this to 30-45 GW by 2040. Several projects are currently underway, including the Akita and Chiba offshore wind farms, which are expected to contribute to Japan's renewable energy landscape.
The Akita offshore wind farm, located in the Akita Prefecture, is set to have a total capacity of 140 MW, while the Chiba offshore wind farm, located in the Chiba Prefecture, will have a capacity of 220 MW. Both projects are part of Japan's broader strategy to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
South Korea is also making strides in the offshore wind sector, with the government aiming to install 12 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. Similar to Taiwan and Japan, South Korea recognizes the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources to combat climate change and improve energy security.
The Korean government has initiated several offshore wind projects, including the 1.5 GW project off the coast of Incheon and the 1.2 GW project off the coast of Ulsan. These projects are part of a larger plan to develop a sustainable energy system that prioritizes renewable sources and reduces carbon emissions.
In addition to these initiatives, the Asia-Pacific region as a whole is witnessing a growing interest in offshore wind power. Countries such as China and Australia are also exploring opportunities in this sector, further highlighting the potential for renewable energy growth in the region.
China, in particular, has emerged as a global leader in offshore wind power, with a total installed capacity of over 25 GW as of 2021. The Chinese government has set ambitious targets for further expansion, aiming for 50 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. This rapid growth is driven by a combination of government support, technological advancements, and increasing investments from both domestic and international companies.
Australia is also exploring its offshore wind potential, with several projects in the planning stages. The Australian government has recognized the importance of renewable energy in achieving its climate goals and is actively promoting the development of offshore wind projects along its coastline.
As the Asia-Pacific region continues to embrace offshore wind power, the collaboration between governments, private companies, and research institutions will be crucial in driving innovation and ensuring the successful implementation of these projects. The transition to renewable energy sources is not only essential for addressing climate change but also for promoting energy security and economic growth in the region.
In conclusion, Taiwan stands at the forefront of the offshore wind power market in the Asia-Pacific region, with Japan and South Korea making significant progress towards their renewable energy goals. The continued development of offshore wind projects in these countries reflects a growing commitment to sustainable energy solutions and a collective effort to combat climate change. As the region moves forward, the potential for offshore wind power remains promising, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.