Turbine manufacturer MHI Vestas has finalised an agreement to buy transformer technology from Hitachi ABB Power Grids in Taiwan.

The purchased systems will increase electricity generated by Taiwanese offshore wind farms to 66kV to assist in transmission to shore.

An MHI Vestas spokesperson said this deal marks the first turbine manufacturer to source such technology locally, in line with MHI Vestas’ localisation scheme. Hitachi ABB will supply transformers using key components from a Shihlin Electric & Engineering facility, located in Hsinchu County.

The transformers will be used on the Changfang (Phase 2) and Xidao, and Zhong Neng projects. The first deliveries of transformers will take place in 2022.

MHI Vestas Taiwan business director Maida Zahirovic said: “High voltage transformers are vital to ensuring that maximum electricity output reaches end consumers in Taiwan.

“The collaboration between Hitachi ABB Power Grids and SEEC means that world-class production is being set up locally for a critical component in the certified V174 platform.”

Changfang and Xidao wind farm will become the first to use MHI Vestas wind turbines with HV transformers from Hitachi ABB and Shanghai Electric and Engineering.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids Taiwan head Lisa Wen said: “ABB has participated in Taiwan’s industrial development for the past 30 years, now we are excited to see new clean energy transition and we support Taiwan localisation policy.

“It is a challenge to set up a manufacturing hub in a new market, but we are pleased to be working with SEEC and are hopeful of continued volume on the current technology platforms.”

MHI Vestas has now signed contracts in Taiwan for the local supply of blades, transformers and blade materials, including bonding glue, resin, pultruded carbon plates.

The contracts were also signed for towers, switchgear, rotor hubs, hub plates, nacelle base frames, low voltage cabinets, UPS systems, and PCM assembly.

The company expects to sign further local supply chain contracts later this year.