Typhoon Damages Taiwan's Offshore Solar Project, Debris Washes Ashore

Company Apologizes for Scattered Floating Platforms and Assures No Solar Panels Lost at Sea

A recent typhoon has caused significant damage to an offshore solar power facility in Taiwan's Pingtung County. Debris from the floating platforms washed ashore, with some stretches of the beach reportedly covered for several kilometers. This incident has raised questions about the resilience of the project, which received over NT$100 million in government subsidies.

In response to public concerns, the company responsible for the project, 旭東環保 (Xu Dong Environmental Protection), issued an apology. They stated that all scattered floating platforms on the shore were cleared by the afternoon of the incident. The company has also contacted a maritime company to stand by and will retrieve the remaining floating platforms at sea once weather conditions stabilize.

旭東環保 clarified that the debris on the beach consisted of walkway boards made from high-density polyethylene, a non-toxic and fully recyclable plastic commonly used in water treatment and supply pipes. They emphasized that no solar panels were lost at sea.

The solar panels and floating platforms were assembled and towed offshore in April. The project was still in the process of fine-tuning the floating platforms and anchoring systems when the typhoon struck. In anticipation of the typhoon season, the company had begun removing the solar power modules and other equipment from the floating platforms between June 28th and July 4th. By the time the typhoon hit, approximately 60% of the floating platforms had already been recovered.

旭東環保 reiterated that all solar panels were removed and handed over to the manufacturer, 安集 (Anji), for damage assessment. The company also addressed claims about its financial reliance on government subsidies, stating that it has only applied for two government programs since its establishment in 1995, with the current project involving a significant self-funded contribution. The company highlighted its strong financial performance, with a turnover exceeding NT$1.1 billion in 2024, primarily driven by orders for floating solar systems and a global export presence in 76 countries. They also noted their listing on the Emerging Stock Market, subject to the regulations of the GreTai Securities Market.