MMA Global Aqua discuss the transition from the traditional uses of oil and gas to renewable energy in Taiwan, describing the challenges, benefits and skills needed in the transition
What are the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from the oil and gas industry to renewable energy in Taiwan?
The transition from the oil and gas industry to renewable energy in Taiwan presents both challenges and opportunities.
On the challenge side, professionals must adapt to a different industry landscape, including new technologies and practices specific to renewable energy. They also need to understand the regulations and policies governing the renewables sector in Taiwan, which may differ significantly from those in the oil and gas industry.
Additionally, the language barrier poses a significant obstacle, making effective communication and collaboration more challenging. However, amidst these challenges lie a number of opportunities.
By shifting to renewable energy in Taiwan and abroad, professionals can actively contribute to environmental sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. They can play a role in diversifying energy sources, moving away from fossil fuels to more sustainable alternatives.
With the renewables sector experiencing rapid growth globally, joining this market in Taiwan provides professionals with the chance to be part of a thriving industry at the forefront of the global energy transition.
How does the expertise and experience you gained in the oil and gas sector translate to renewable energy in Taiwan?
The expertise and experience gained in the oil and gas sector can be highly valuable when transitioning to the renewable energy sector in Taiwan. Professionals can leverage their project management skills, risk assessment abilities, and knowledge of offshore operations.
They can apply their understanding of complex regulatory environments and navigate the intricacies of project development and execution. Geophysical surveying and Geotechnical investigation expertise, which is often utilised in the oil and gas industry, can also be directly applicable to renewable energy projects, particularly in the context of offshore wind farms.
While some upskilling is necessary, the foundational knowledge and experience gained in the oil and gas industry provide a strong basis for success in the renewable energy sector. Professionals can draw upon their existing skill set and transferable expertise to contribute effectively to the development and growth of renewable energy in Taiwan.
How does joining MMA Global Aqua benefit professionals transitioning to Taiwan and connecting with stakeholders in the renewable energy industry?
Recognising that the language barrier poses a significant challenge, joining MMA Global Aqua has provided invaluable assistance to support the transition to Taiwan professionally.
MMA Global Aqua is on the ground with deep local knowledge and connections which can facilitate engagement with the necessary government departments and stakeholders in the renewable energy sector. Other benefits include access to dynamic market research and analysis to inform strategic decision-making in the renewable energy sector as well as assistance in contributing to local networks, facilitating the necessary connections to navigate Taiwan’s renewables market successfully.
This support extends to helping with matters like relocation and facilitating accompanying family members with getting settled into life in Taiwan.
How do you see the role of offshore renewable energy, such as wind and wave power, evolving in Taiwan’s future?
The role of offshore renewable energy, including wind and wave power, is poised to evolve significantly in Taiwan’s future. The country is actively working towards diversifying its energy sources and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
Offshore wind power holds significant potential for Taiwan due to its coastal geography and favourable wind resources. The country has already made significant progress in developing offshore wind farms, with several projects in operation or under construction.
Wave power exploration is also being explored, although it is still in the early stages. The growth of offshore renewable energy projects in Taiwan not only contributes to the country’s energy transition goals but also brings about numerous benefits. It leads to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
Offshore renewables also contribute to economic growth, job creation, and the establishment of a vibrant renewable energy industry ecosystem.
What are the environmental and sustainability benefits of renewable energy, and how is MMA Global Aqua ensuring these benefits are realised in Taiwan?
Renewable energy offers a host of environmental and sustainability benefits actively contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and playing a significant role in combatting climate change. MMA Global Aqua actively contributes to ensuring these benefits are realised in Taiwan. by supporting the development of renewable energy projects.
Renewable energy sources such as wind and wave power produce clean electricity without the emissions associated with fossil fuels. This leads to improved air quality, reduced pollution, and a healthier environment for the people of Taiwan. Additionally, renewable energy helps conserve natural resources by reducing dependence on finite fossil fuel reserves.
It promotes sustainability by providing a long-term energy solution that can be harnessed indefinitely. MMA Global Aqua actively works for government departments and international wind farm developers to help promote environmental sustainability.
What are the key regulatory and policy considerations that professionals must navigate when transitioning from the oil and gas industry to renewable energy in Taiwan?
When transitioning from the oil and gas industry to renewable energy in Taiwan, professionals need to navigate key regulatory and policy considerations.
Understanding renewable energy targets and incentives is crucial, as Taiwan has set specific goals for renewable energy adoption. Professionals must familiarise themselves with the available incentives such as feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, grants, and other financial mechanisms to support renewable energy projects.
They also need to navigate the permitting and licensing processes specific to renewable energy projects. This involves obtaining the necessary approvals from government agencies, such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and the Bureau of Energy (BOE). Compliance with environmental impact assessment (EIA) requirements and other regulatory obligations is vital.
Professionals need to adhere to safety standards and regulations to ensure the wellbeing of workers and the general public. Navigating these regulatory and policy considerations requires a comprehensive understanding of the local legal framework, engagement with relevant government agencies, and consultation with industry experts. Staying updated on ongoing policy developments is also important to ensure compliance and a successful transition.
How does MMA Global Aqua collaborate with government entities, research institutions, and industry partners to drive the renewable energy transition in Taiwan?
MMA Global Aqua actively works with various stakeholders to help them drive the transition to renewable energy in Taiwan. MMA Global Aqua’s Chairman, Dr. GwoShyh Song, has numerous associations with partners, institutions, universities, and other organisations, which has been forged throughout his 40 plus years in Taiwan. These partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and collaborative project development, leading to successful renewable energy projects in Taiwan. Active participation through memberships in industry Marine Associations and forums is another way MMA Global Aqua collaborates with stakeholders. MMA Global Aqua is a local Taiwanese company, employing local Taiwanese people for local and international foreign companies in Taiwan.
With the assistance from our partner MMA Offshore (an international vessel and subsea services provider), we are striving to grow our local capability to service the offshore energy market in Taiwan. Considerable time and effort has been invested to develop MMA Global Aqua’s local capabilities which align with the Taiwanese Government Authorities, such as the Bureau of Energy and their mandate and vision of developing local content. Through these collaborative efforts and alignments, MMA Global Aqua contributes to shape renewable energy in Taiwan and drive sustainable development for a greener future.
