Taiwan: TUV Rheinland Highlights Importance of Offshore Wind Risk Management

TUV Rheinland and the Taiwan Wind Turbine Industry Association have hosted an offshore wind power forum, discussing topics such as offshore wind power life-cycle risk management and analysis, international wind power standards, underwater infrastructure certification, as well as implementation and planning of offshore wind power industrial localisation in Taiwan. 

TUV Rheinland invited one of its foreign experts on offshore wind power safety assessments from Risktec Solution provide more information on these topics.

Risk management for offshore wind power projects requires detailed identification of risks and implementation of risk-specific measures for processes such as transportation, geological surveys, construction, and installation involved in offshore wind power projects, TUV Rheinland pointed out.

Hazards contributing to ocean risks include working at heights, lifting operations, transportation of personnel, flammable materials, pressurised systems, maritime transport, and structural failure, amongst other factors. Safety is key in offshore wind power, and identifying risks and knowledge of risk management systems will maximise production and profit while minimising unplanned shutdowns, the company said.

As Taiwan’s offshore wind power sector has only recently emerged, issues such as wind power technology, talent, and bank financing pose certain challenges, according to TUV Rheinland. Since working on an offshore wind farm entails significant risk, the unique work and living environment can have a great impact on the health and safety of those employed, and risk assessment focused on occupational and operational safety are absolute necessities for the welfare of those working on ocean wind farms, including periodic environmental inspections and physical exams.

With offshore wind power construction continuing to surge in Taiwan, the effective reduction of construction risk holds substantial social and economic significance.