Equis Wins 70.2 MW PV Project In Taiwan

• Independent renewable energy power producer Equis Energy has a won contract to develop 70.2 MW solar power project in Taiwan
• It won a two-site tender launched by the Taiwan's Bureau of Energy; it won both and chose the bigger site
• Once it becomes operational, it will be Taiwan's largest solar power project
• Construction is expected to start early in 2018, commercial operations start scheduled by mid-2018

Renewable energy producer Equis Energy has won a contract to develop a 70.2 MW solar power project in Taiwan. Located in Yizu Township of Chiayi County, the capacity was tendered by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs' Bureau of Energy (BOE).

The project was part of a two-site public tender. Given the option to select either of the two project sites as per auction rules, Equis chose the larger site where the 70.2 MW project will spread across 79.5 hectares of land.

It will be Taiwan's largest solar project once it comes online by the middle of 2018. Construction is scheduled to start in early 2018. Equis said it has the right to sign a 20-year PPA with Taiwan Power Company (Taipower).

In February 2017, Taiwanese PV module maker AUO Optronics installed a 3.87 MW rooftop solar power plant, which is currently the country's largest (see Taiwan's Largest PV Rooftop System Installed).

Once completely operational, the 70.2 MW system is expected to generate approximately 100,000 MWh annually. Construction of the project will preserve and restore natural wetland habitats in the area and will include a state-of-the-art education centre that will focus on solar energy and ecological preservation.

Taiwan is aiming to achieve 20 GW of solar power capacity by 2025 out of the total renewable energy target of 28 GW, which is expected to need total investments of NT$992.8 billion (see Taiwan Plans Big On Solar).

Equis already has 100 MW of solar assets under construction or at an advanced stage of development in Taiwan, along with 581 MW of utility scale solar and wind projects in development. It expects to grid-connect the capacity within the next five years.

"As Asia‐Pacific's largest renewable energy IPP, Equis is pleased to be playing an important role in Taiwan's transition to low‐cost, clean energy,"said Equis Chairman David Russell. Adding, "Taiwan is at a critical juncture in the development of its energy resources, and the award of the Chiayi solar project, after a very competitive bidding process, represents a significant step forward."