Navigating Offshore Wind Talent Needs and Key Strategies for Projects in Taiwan and Korea

The offshore wind sector is experiencing significant growth globally, driven by advanced technology and increased efficiency. Much of this activity is centred in Asia, which benefits from extensive Pacific coastlines that provide ideal conditions for integrating wind power into its energy mix. Secure wind energy in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is substantial, with expectations that it will account for 61% of new capacity worldwide between 2024 and 2030. According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), APAC's total onshore wind capacity could double to 1,084 GW within the decade, with another 122 GW of potential capacity from offshore wind by 2030. By 2050, the region’s capacity could exceed 2600 GW, positioning it as a global leader, with offshore wind accounting for over 60% of this total. Asia is crucial in ensuring that wind energy can help achieve net-zero emissions.

China has dominated this sector for years, but Taiwan and Korea are now emerging as prime locations, gradually moving away from nuclear reliance. These two nations are increasingly interested in expanding their offshore wind infrastructure, with ambitious renewable energy goals and significant government investment. However, as Taiwan and Korea scale up their offshore wind projects, they encounter various challenges, including supply chain limitations, regulatory complexities, and a growing need for specialised talent to support and sustain growth.

Taiwan

Taiwan has quickly become a frontrunner in the APAC offshore wind sector, second to China, installing 692 MW of new offshore capacity in 2023. While the region boasts excellent onshore wind farms, these are nearing capacity, prompting a shift towards offshore wind energy. The 180km Taiwan Strait offers favourable conditions for wind power generation, making it ideal for offshore wind farms. In 2012, the government announced “Thousand Sea and Land Wind Turbines”, supported by the Energy Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, which aims to exceed the installation of 1,000 onshore/offshore wind turbines by 2030. The Taiwanese government has also committed to installing 5.7 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2025 and a further 15 GW by 2035 to help meet its net-zero targets. They’ve implemented supportive policies, including feed-in tariffs and demonstration incentive programmes to encourage investment in the sector.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) actively promotes investments in Taiwan’s renewable industry by providing financial subsidies for installing wind turbines and developing wind farms. These incentives are designed to stimulate foreign and domestic businesses to invest in improving clean energy technologies. As a result, the total expected investment in the wind sector is projected to approach NTD 3.2 trillion, supporting economic growth and job creation within the industry.

Major project developments:

• Greater Changhua 1 and 2a: Developed by Ørsted, this 900 MW project connected to the grid in April 2024 after generating its first power in April 2022. The 605 MW Greater Changhua 1 is owned by Ørsted and a consortium including CDPQ and Cathay PE, while the 295 MW Changhua 2a is solely Ørsted-owned. Ørsted is also developing the 920 MW Changhua 2b and 4 projects (expected to be commissioned in 2025/6), along with the 570 MW Greater Changhua 3.
• Formosa 1 and 2: Formosa 1, completed in 2019, is the first offshore demonstration wind farm with a capacity of 128 MW. Ørsted, JERA, Swancor Renewables, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Hokuriku Power Company own it. Formosa 2, completed in 2023, generating 376 MW, is owned by JERA, Macquarie Asset Management's Green Investment Group, and Synera Renewable Energy.
• Formosa 3: A joint venture between TotalEnergies, SK Ecoplant, and other partners to develop the Formosa 3 offshore wind farm, aiming to improve Taiwan’s renewable energy strategies by providing an additional 2 GW capacity.
• Changfang and Xidao Projects: Owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, this project recently added another 600 MW to Taiwan’s offshore wind capacity.

Despite its success, Taiwan faces hurdles, including complex permitting requirements, high project costs, and a need for highly trained engineers and technicians to support its growing wind infrastructure.

South Korea

South Korea is also scaling up its offshore wind capacity, with plans to reach 14.3 GW by 2030 and expand to 40.7 GW by 2038. This growth will account for 68% of the country's total wind energy target. As part of its Green New Deal, the government has allocated an investment of 73 trillion won (approximately $6.1 billion) to support decarbonisation efforts through 2025, with offshore wind playing a central role in the energy transition.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) has awarded 1,886 MW of capacity to various offshore projects, including a floating development called Firefly/Bandibuli. MOTIE has also announced a roadmap to facilitate the development of 7-8 GW of offshore wind in South Korea until the end of the first half of 2026.

Major project developments:

• Firefly/Bandibuli Floating Offshore Wind Farm: Equinor is developing a 750 MW project, which will be South Korea's largest floating wind farm located off the coast of Ulsan. This project is part of a significant cluster of floating developments that will collectively reach a capacity of 6 GW.
• Multi-gigawatt Offshore Wind Project: HD Hyundai Electric, Pacifico Energy Korea, CS Wind, Korea Ocean Engineering and Consultants, and Daebul Shipbuilding have decided to undertake this project off the peninsula's southwestern coast.
• Taean Offshore Wind Project: A 500 MW venture located 30km off the coast of Taean in South Chungcheong Province, developed by Vena Energy and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.
• Public-Led Large-Scale Offshore Wind Development: A government-backed initiative in Incheon to develop 2 GW of offshore wind capacity across three designated areas, due to be developed in December 2026.

South Korea is tackling critical issues such as infrastructure development, supply chain resilience, and technology transfer to accelerate growth. Policies now focus on expanding port facilities, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, and streamlining project approvals to ensure quick deployment. 

The Role of Floating Offshore Wind Farms

As space for fixed-bottom wind farms becomes increasingly scarce, especially in Asia, which has some of the world’s deepest waters, Taiwan and South Korea are turning to floating offshore wind technology as a key solution to expand their renewable energy capacity. Floating wind farms offer the flexibility to be placed in deeper waters, where wind speeds are often stronger and more consistent.

Due to its depth and strong winds in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan has vast potential for floating offshore wind. While fixed-bottom projects have dominated its early offshore developments, floating wind is now emerging as a viable alternative. Taiwan’s government has supported floating projects, encouraging research and collaboration with global leaders.

South Korea is well-suited for floating offshore wind, too, with an estimated 624 GW of untapped offshore wind potential, a significant portion of which is expected to be floating. Ørsted expects that 20% of new offshore wind capacity will be floating by the mid-2030s, meaning developers and investors are exploring ways to accelerate deployment. The Ulsan region has become a key interest for floating wind projects, leveraging its shipbuilding expertise and advanced maritime infrastructure. However, challenges such as high production costs and limited availability of installation vessels must be addressed to ensure commercial viability.

Meeting the Talent Demand in Offshore Wind

The growth of offshore wind in Taiwan and South Korea is creating a surge in demand for skilled professionals. In South Korea alone, achieving the 14.3 GW offshore wind target by 2030 could generate over 770,000 jobs, ranging from high-skilled engineering roles to mid-level support positions in logistics, safety, and maintenance. Similarly, Taiwan has invested in workforce development, with university-led programmes designed to train the next generation of offshore wind professionals. By 2035, job opportunities in Taiwan are projected to exceed 74,000. 

However, since offshore wind technology is relatively new in these regions, both places need the right investments and talent to foster growth. Contractors also require specific skill sets to address the unique environmental challenges in these countries, which are prone to typhoons, earthquakes, and high humidity. The industry demands expertise across multiple disciplines, including:

• Wind Specialists: Experts in wind resource assessment, turbine technology, and project development.
• Geotechnical Engineers: Professionals skilled in assessing varied seabed conditions in the region for foundation stability. The soft seabed in these areas can complicate the construction of foundations and equipment installation.
• Marine Engineers: Specialists focused on advancing floating wind technology.
• Electrical Engineers: To ensure safe and efficient power transmission from offshore wind farms to the grid.
• Health & Safety Experts: Critical for minimising risks in offshore environments; for example, Taiwan demands expertise in seismic, wind, and wave engineering due to its location near the Ring of Fire and exposure to the Pacific Ocean.
• Technical Staff: A broad range of technicians and engineers are needed for installation, maintenance, and operations.
• Project Managers & Legal Experts: Required to oversee complex offshore wind projects, handling regulatory compliance, investment planning, and operational efficiency.

Strategies for Success in Talent Acquisition 

Businesses within the sector must have effective talent management strategies to bridge the skills gap and sustain offshore wind expansion. Some approaches may include:

• Developing local networks: Building strong relationships with local universities, industry associations, and training providers is essential to access a local talent pool.
• Focusing on skills development: Support initiatives that provide training and upskilling opportunities for local workers, addressing skills gaps and building a sustainable workforce. The “Cross-discipline courses of offshore wind power technology” at the National Taipei University of Technology is an excellent example.
• Attracting international talent: While developing local talent is important, attracting experienced professionals from Europe and other regions can bring valuable expertise to the market.
• Understanding cultural nuances: Cultural sensitivity and understanding of local business practices are essential for successful recruitment in Taiwan and South Korea.
• Embracing diversity and inclusion: Creating a diverse and inclusive workforce can attract top talent and foster innovation.

Partner with a Leading Engineering Recruitment Agency

Taiwan and Korea are committed to developing offshore wind energy, especially in floating technology, which offers significant opportunities for businesses and professionals working towards ambitious renewable energy goals. However, achieving success will require addressing infrastructure and supply chain challenges and ensuring a strong pipeline of skilled talent.

For companies looking to invest in offshore wind projects, NES Fircroft is here to support you. As a world-leading engineering recruitment agency, we specialise in connecting the industry's top talent to major offshore wind developments in the APAC region. We’ve been operational in Asia since 1995, providing recruitment solutions to all facets of the region’s renewable energy industry. Our specialist recruitment teams in Taiwan and South Korea are well-versed in each country's legal frameworks and possess the expertise to source candidates with the precise skillsets you require. Whether you need local talent or expatriates, we ensure contractors are deployed to your site efficiently and, most importantly, compliantly.

Contact us today to discuss your hiring needs or explore exciting career opportunities!