Opening a new milestone in marine renewable energy demonstration applications
In response to national energy transition and net-zero emissions policies, TIPC has actively inventoried port-area space and marine resources and promoted innovative applications combining renewable energy with port facilities. The Port of Su'ao "Wave Power Test Site" is not only Taiwan's first example of a formally managed water area provided by the commercial port system, but also symbolizes that port functions have crossed over from traditional "logistics nodes" to "demonstration platforms" supporting national energy strategy.
From port management toward an energy demonstration platform
Assessments show that the Port of Su'ao, situated on the edge of the Pacific, has excellent swell energy density and stable wave conditions, making it an advantageous base for Taiwan's development of marine renewable energy. Accordingly, in 2025 TIPC selected the Port of Su'ao as a wave power test site, releasing a total of 6.75 hectares of waters outside the southern outer breakwater and demarcating three test zones—A, B, and C—of 2.25 hectares each, for investors interested in the ocean energy industry to install equipment and conduct operational testing.
To balance port operations with technology verification needs, lease conditions specifically emphasize requirements such as not affecting breakwater structural safety and conducting regular environmental monitoring, ensuring that wave power technology can be verified without interfering with existing commercial port operations and creating a new model for diversified use of commercial port waters.
Implementation outcomes and sustainability benefits
On July 7, 2025, TIPC completed the public selection and leasing process for Zone C, with ICOE International Ocean Energy Co., Ltd. selected as the preferred investor and expected to introduce offshore wave power equipment. This is not only Taiwan's first wave power demonstration within commercially managed port waters, but also carries landmark demonstration significance.
This project not only expands low-carbon energy sources but will also drive the domestic industrial chain in marine engineering, offshore construction, and operations and maintenance services, demonstrating TIPC's proactive transformation from a port operator into a demonstration platform supporting national energy policy and innovative technology. Through concrete action, TIPC is proving that ports are no longer merely cargo transfer stations, but key blue drivers on the path to net-zero transformation.
