Suspected CO2 leak at Northland-led Taiwan offshore wind development 'leaves 14 workers hospitalised'
One week after Hai Long consortium was celebrating the conclusion of a new nacelle plant in Taiwan, a serious safety incident has occurred
At least fourteen workers were reportedly hospitalised in Taiwan earlier today (Tuesday) after a carbon dioxide leak at an onshore facility forming part of the Northland Power-led Hai Long Offshore Wind project.
It said the affected individuals were quickly transported to nearby hospitals where they are receiving emergency treatment, but the statement gave no further details about their state of health.
Changhua County Fire Department dispatched two fire trucks and seven ambulances after receiving reports of the suspected leak.
"The incident has been contained and all work at site is suspended until further notice while investigations are ongoing. The safety and well-being of our employees and partners remain our top priority.
"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available."
A statement from the Hai Long Project consortium added that turnkey contractor for the new facility TECO Electric & Machinery Co had been contacted in order to understand the situation.
"We will cooperate with the contractor and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure proper care for the affected individuals," the consortium stated.
Expansion
Only last week, the Hai Long consortium gave an update on progress at its offshore wind farm development, following the opening of Siemens Gamesa’s recently expanded nacelle assembly facility in Taichung.
Recent project milestones include the installation of the offshore substation for the Hai Long 2 wind farm and the installation of the jacket foundation for the Hai Long 3 substation.
In its progress report, the consortium stated that pin piles had been installed at 36 of the 76 wind turbine locations for the three-phase wind farm.
The expanded nacelle factory is expected to begin supplying components for the Hai Long wind farm by the second quarter of 2025. It will supply components for the 14MW Siemens Gamesa wind turbines to be used on the wind farm.
Tim Kittelhake, CEO of the Hai Long Project, said the consortium expects to begin turbine installation in the second quarter of next year. Hai Long 2A and 2B is expected to be completed by the end of that year and the Hai Long 3 wind farm by 2026.
Hai Long will have a total installed capacity exceeding 1GW and is located 45-70 km off Changhua County, with plans to connect to the grid in phases between 2025 and 2026.
Hai Long 2A will sell electricity to Taiwan Power Company under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement, while the 2B and 3 sub-projects will sell electricity to a private power user in Taiwan under a 30-year PPA.
It is expected to become Taiwan's largest single offshore wind development project, contributing to Taiwan's renewable energy target of 15GW by 2026 to 2035, according to the consortium.
Northland Power is partnered on the wind farm by Gentari Renewables and Mitsui.
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