Empowering Taiwan’s Renewable Journey: PEAK Wind Taiwan’s Path to a Greener Future

As Taiwan emerges as a key player in the renewable energy industry, particularly in offshore wind, PEAK Wind Taiwan has redefined the role a global company can play in fostering local talent and innovation within this sector. Recognised as the BCCTaipei 2024 Better Business Awards’ Green Energy Award winner, PEAK Wind is celebrated for its dedication to sustainable energy and its efforts to advance Taiwan’s transition to a greener future. Through landmark projects, community engagement, and investment in workforce development, the company exemplifies how impactful change is rooted in people and purpose.

Building Local Talent and Expertise

Since its founding in 2018, PEAK Wind Taiwan has contributed to Taiwan’s renewable energy goals by providing high-caliber asset management and operations expertise to major offshore wind projects like Changfang, Xidao, and Zhong Neng. These projects collectively aim to provide 900 megawatts of clean energy—enough to power around 950,000 households—while significantly reducing Taiwan’s carbon footprint.

Globally, PEAK Wind has built a robust team of more than 200 professionals, and in Taiwan, this commitment to local growth is embodied by a dedicated branch of 40 staff members advancing the country’s offshore wind ambitions. With 83% of its Taiwan workforce comprising local employees, PEAK Wind places strong emphasis on localising expertise. “Having a local team who understands the context and can build relationships with stakeholders is key,” explains Nick Davies, Country Director of Taiwan. “It’s about working with people who know the market and can navigate the specifics.” By blending global insights with local knowledge, PEAK Wind Taiwan has created a team equipped to adapt and excel within a rapidly evolving market.

Navigating Challenges in Taiwan’s Renewable Energy Market

However, operating in Taiwan’s offshore wind sector has presented unique challenges, from challenging environmental conditions, in the Taiwan Strait to navigating a developing local supply chain and intricate regulatory requirements. Taiwan’s waters, characterised by high wind speeds and powerful waves, demand innovative and resilient engineering solutions. To work with these conditions, Nick notes that PEAK Wind continually adapts its approach, combining global practices with strategies tailored to Taiwan’s specific needs. “Taiwan is a unique market, and we’ve learned a lot by working within it—it’s a learning experience for all involved, including the supply chain and government requirements,” he shares.

Another challenge has been recruiting and retaining skilled staff in a competitive job market. “We want to build a strong, reliable team that stays with us over time,” Nick explains. This commitment to talent development has fostered stability within the Taiwan team, a testament to PEAK Wind’s sustained investment in local expertise.

PEAK Wind Graduate Programme and Academy: Developing Future Leaders

Recognising the importance of cultivating a strong talent pipeline, PEAK Wind has introduced initiatives aimed at building a skilled, future-ready workforce. For example, the PEAK Wind Graduate Programme is a cornerstone of the company’s dedication to nurturing local talent. This two-year programme immerses recent graduates in diverse aspects of offshore wind operations, pairing them with experienced mentors for hands-on experience in critical roles. “The Graduate Programme is about more than just technical knowledge—it’s about fostering confidence and preparing future leaders for real challenges in the industry,” says Nick. This focus on mentorship and professional growth not only addresses existing skill gaps but also creates a steady pipeline of professionals who are ready to support Taiwan’s renewable future.

To further support internal development, PEAK Wind has also established the PEAK Wind Academy, offering advanced training for employees across renewable energy topics. This academy is integral to the company’s strategy to equip team members with specialised skills tailored to the unique demands of the offshore wind sector. “The Academy allows us to deepen our team’s knowledge and build an even stronger foundation here in Taiwan,” explains Nick.

Lessons from Six Years in Taiwan’s Renewable Market

Reflecting on PEAK Wind’s six-year journey in Taiwan, Nick shares that one aspect of their success is credited to being part of Taiwan’s offshore wind journey from day one: “Through our different team members, we have lived every twist and turn and helped our clients both prepare for and navigate the challenges that have existed. We now ensure that the lessons learned continue to be referenced. Within our local team, we have a saying, ‘Today’s harvest is a result of yesterday’s sharing,’ which is a very fitting statement.”

Recognition as Green Energy Award Winner

Winning the BCCTaipei Green Energy Award is a meaningful milestone for PEAK Wind’s Taiwan team. This recognition, Nick notes, is more than an accolade—it affirms the hard work and dedication that the team has invested in supporting Taiwan’s sustainable future. “It’s great recognition for the hard work everyone has put in. We’re here for the long term, and it’s good to know that our efforts are being noticed,” he says. The award reflects the success of initiatives like the PEAK Wind Graduate Programme and PEAK Wind Academy, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to developing talent and fostering innovation in Taiwan’s green energy landscape.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Regional Growth

As PEAK Wind expands its presence across Asia with a firm base in Taiwan, its goals align closely with Taiwan’s ambition to lead in renewable energy within the Asia-Pacific region. “Taiwan is an exciting market to be a part of,” Nick shares, emphasising the unique environmental conditions that make the island ideal for offshore wind projects. By embedding local expertise into its operational model, PEAK Wind is not only positioning itself as a key player in Taiwan but is also setting the stage for future growth throughout the region. For Nick and his team, their work in Taiwan symbolises more than just project achievements; it’s a commitment to making a lasting impact in the journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

If you are interested in learning more about PEAK Wind Taiwan and its initiatives in renewable energy, visit their website at www.peak-wind.com.