ROC launches small wind turbine certification

A technology certification and testing platform for small wind turbines was recently launched by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection under the ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs, further underscoring Taiwan’s leadership in this key green energy sector.

“Nearly two and a half years in the making, the measure is part of ongoing government efforts to promote development of homegrown small to medium wind turbines and related product standards,” a BSMI official said July 26.

The facility has helped wind farms in Tainan City’s Chigu District and outlying Penghu County secure certification from global organizations including Norway-headquartered Det Norske Veritas, Taiwan Accreditation Foundation and Germany-based TUV SUD, the official added.

Demand for small wind turbines has grown at an annual rate of 35 percent over the past five years, with the sector set to expand at least 20 percent per annum until 2020.

“Product accreditation is a must if firms are to benefit from policy subsidies adopted by most governments in promoting green energy,” the official said.

Taiwan’s two testing farms will help firms reduce costs in obtaining global certification by around 60 percent, or NT$2 million (US$66,667), and cut handling time by 33 percent, the official said, adding that the centers are expected to generate revenues of NT$34.5 million per year.

Working with state-run Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, BSMI also successfully developed a technological know-how significantly reducing product certification time for vertical axis small wind turbines. The bureau has helped New Taipei City-headquartered Hi-VAWT Technology Corp. obtain certification from Japan’s ClassNK, the world’s largest classification society.

Citing MOEA statistics, the official said 94 percent of locally produced small wind turbines are for export, with mainland China accounting for 40 of shipments.

To assist local suppliers in expanding their mainland Chinese footprint,

BSMI has worked with authorities on the other side to set up a standard testing procedure for vertical axis small wind turbines in May. This is the first set of mutually accepted testing standards for both sides.

The official said the bureau is also striving to obtain mutual recognition of testing reports and compile annual surveys of market developments on both sides of the strait.

Other government measures aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s R&D capability in the sector include greater participation in global conferences and seminars; arranging mutual visits by officials from Australia, Japan and South Korea; and establishing an Asia-Pacific small wind turbines forum.