Swedish Grant Fuels Ocean Energy Push in Taiwan

Minesto, a company that harnesses ocean currents with underwater turbines, has won a 24,000 EUR grant from the Swedish Energy Agency to expand its tidal energy projects in Taiwan.

The company is targeting two key sites near Keelung and Green Island, where Taiwan's strong tidal streams could power thousands of homes. Unlike solar or wind, tidal energy is completely predictable, flowing on the same schedule as the tides themselves.

In December 2025, Minesto presented its technology at the Nordic-Taiwan Sustainable Energy Forum in Taipei, connecting with policymakers and industry leaders. The forum brought together experts to discuss how international partnerships can strengthen Taiwan's energy independence.

Minesto's "Dragon" technology works like an underwater kite, using ocean currents to generate electricity without dams or disruption to marine life. The company already partners with National Taiwan Ocean University and Taiwan Cement Green Energy to adapt the technology for local conditions.

Taiwan sits in waters with some of the strongest ocean currents in the world, making it an ideal location for tidal energy. National assessments continue to confirm these conditions could support large-scale renewable power generation for decades to come.

The Ripple Effect

Taiwan's push for tidal energy represents more than clean electricity. It's part of a broader effort to build a resilient, low-carbon energy system that doesn't depend on weather patterns or fossil fuel imports.

As climate change makes traditional energy sources less reliable, predictable renewable technologies like tidal power offer stability. The currents flow regardless of cloud cover, wind speed, or drought conditions.

Dr. YungLung Chen, Minesto's Project Developer in Taiwan, says the grant provides "a structured pathway" to secure the partnerships and funding needed for the first commercial installations. Local expertise combined with Swedish innovation could create a blueprint for other island nations facing similar energy challenges.

Taiwan's commitment to ocean energy shows how small grants can unlock massive potential when the right conditions align.