Typhoon Danas Damages Offshore Floating Solar Platforms, Scattering Debris Along Taiwan Coast

A powerful typhoon, Danas, recently swept through Taiwan, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. One of the affected areas was an offshore floating solar power project in Jiadong Township, where parts of the solar platforms were blown away and scattered along a 1-kilometer stretch of the coast. The incident highlights the importance of ensuring that infrastructure, especially renewable energy facilities, can withstand extreme weather conditions. The affected platforms were part of a 160,000-square-meter project developed by Sun Rise EandT Corp. and approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in 2023.

Key Takeaways:

• The typhoon damaged a significant portion of the floating solar platforms off the coast of Jiadong Township, with debris scattered across a 1-kilometer area.
• The platforms, developed by Sun Rise EandT Corp., were initially designed to test wave resistance and were made from environmentally friendly materials.
• Out of the approximately 1,400 floating platforms deployed in the area, the company has recovered about 60% so far, with most of the structures sustaining only minor damage and expected to be repaired and reused.
• Local fishermen have expressed concern that the drifting platforms could interfere with fishing vessel navigation, prompting a comprehensive assessment by the county government.
• The company has acknowledged design flaws in the platforms, specifically the gaps between units requiring reinforced connections to withstand strong winds and high seas.
• The company had begun dismantling some units in June to strengthen the design before reinstallation, but poor sea conditions prior to Typhoon Danas prevented the complete removal of all platforms.

Statistics:

• 1,400: The total number of floating platforms deployed in the area.
• 60%: The percentage of platforms recovered so far by Sun Rise EandT Corp.
• 160,000 square meters: The total area covered by the offshore floating solar power project.
• 1 kilometer: The distance over which debris was scattered along the coast.
• 2023: The year in which the Ministry of Economic Affairs approved the project.

Sources:

• CNA: Report on the offshore floating solar power project approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in 2023.
• Pingtung County Government: Statement on the damage caused by Typhoon Danas and the company's obligations to remove debris and implement safety measures.
• Sun Rise EandT Corp.: Press release on the incident and the company's response to the situation.