A delegation led by Representative Lin visited South Thanet on 7 December, to learn more about the UK’s development of offshore wind power and explore opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy between Taiwan and the UK.
Accompanied by the MP for South Thanet, Craig Mackinlay, the delegation visited a number of sites across the Kent constituency. The first was the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm ran by Vattenfall, a Swedish state owned company. The company’s Head of Offshore Development UK, Andy Paine, and Site Manager Tony Francis gave the delegation a thorough introduction of Vattenfall’s business and operations and a tour of the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm operation centre and facilities. Representative Lin explained Taiwan’s current efforts and future plans for developing renewable energy, especially offshore wind power. He also briefed company staff on existing cooperation between Taiwan and the UK and Taiwan’s future aspirations.
The delegation also visited Estover Energy, a biomass energy company which operates a combined heat and power (CHP) plant in the area to supply heat and electricity to Discovery Park, one of Europe’s leading science and technology parks. The plant sources its fuel predominantly from local woodlands and provides low carbon energy for the park. The company’s founder and Co-CEO Max Aitken and Development Manager Ben Heathcoat Armory provided a briefing on the biomass plant and a tour of the facility. A discussion was also held on future global opportunities for biomass energy plants.
Lastly, the delegation visited the Ramsgate Royal Harbour & Marina as well as Manston Airport. Mr Mackinlay shared his vision for the further development of the harbour and the airport, briefing the group on the business opportunities they may bring.
