Interview with Ryan Chen: GWS Growth and Future Plans in Taiwan

Since its official establishment in September 2020, the Taiwanese Branch of Global Wind Service has seen rapid growth, driven by the GWS strategy to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

We recently caught up with Ryan Chen, Country Manager, to discuss the branch's progress over the last few years, its growing workforce, key projects, and exciting upcoming developments.

Ryan, it's been a few years since the Taiwanese Branch was established. How has the team grown since its early days?

Ryan Chen: "When we first started in 2020, it was just Branch Manager at the time Hans Hansen and myself. It was a very lean operation, but we had ambitious plans to grow. Fast forward to today, we now have a solid back-office team of seven people, covering HR, Finance, and Project Management. On top of that, we've built a team of 40 local technicians who handle the day-to-day operations in the field”.

Can you tell us more about the local colleagues, particularly the technicians?

Ryan Chen: "Building a strong local workforce has been one of our main priorities from day one. The 40 technicians we have now, are all locally hired and trained, which is important because it ensures we have a highly skilled and reliable team that understands the unique demands of Taiwan's offshore wind industry. To help them communicate more effectively with our international clients and partners, we’ve also introduced English lessons for our staff. It’s been a valuable addition, allowing them to improve their language skills and feel more confident in their roles."

Since the branch was established, GWS has been involved in some key projects. Could you share more about those milestones?

Ryan Chen: " One of the biggest milestones for us was being awarded the Pre-Assembly contract for the Greater Changhua offshore wind farm. That project really showcased our ability to deliver large-scale, complex installations. Since we started, we've installed 647 wind turbines in Taiwan, generating a total capacity of 5,225 megawatts. It's a number we’re really proud of, and it reflects the scale of our contribution to Taiwan's renewable energy goals."

What would you say has been key to maintaining this level of growth and success?

Ryan Chen: "The key has been having a strong local setup. We’ve worked hard to establish a full team here, with back-office support and technicians on the ground. This enables us to manage everything from logistics to installation more efficiently. It’s crucial for maintaining our position in the market and being prepared for new projects as they come up. Investing in our team’s development, including language training, has also been important.

Speaking of new projects, what’s next for GWS in Taiwan?

Ryan Chen: "We’re really excited about our next big project, which is with Siemens Gamesa. It’s going to be another significant step for us as we continue to strengthen our partnerships with global industry leaders. We’re always looking ahead, expanding our capabilities and workforce to meet future demands. This new project will be a great opportunity to showcase how far we’ve come."

Looking ahead, what’s your vision for GWS in Taiwan over the next few years?

Ryan Chen: "Our goal is to continue expanding our local workforce and capabilities. We’re always focused on long-term sustainability, not just for our own business, but for the offshore wind industry in Taiwan as a whole. With more projects on the horizon, I’m confident we’ll keep growing. Taiwan is becoming a major hub for renewable energy, and we want to be at the forefront of that development."

It’s been a great journey so far, and we’re excited about what’s next. We look forward to continuing our growth, together with our clients, both local and international."