Star Trade, a subsidiary specialising in renewable energy retailing and storage integration under Taiwan-based HD Renewable Energy, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with international developer Lightsource bp for a solar project combined with aquaculture activity in Taiwan. The solar project, with an installed capacity of 115 megawatt-peak (MWp), is located over fishery ponds in Budai and Yizhu Townships, in Chiayi County, southwest of the island.
Full purchase agreement and local employment
Under the terms of the agreement, Star Trade will be responsible for the entire marketing and distribution of electricity generated by this solar project. Construction work officially began in June 2025 and is expected to create up to 750 local jobs during the construction period. Once operational, the installation is expected to annually generate up to 180,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy, equivalent to the consumption of approximately 41,000 households.
This partnership forms part of the expansion strategy of Star Trade, Taiwan’s third-largest electricity retailer. The company primarily supplies renewable energy to large-scale enterprises across industrial and commercial sectors, notably in the semiconductor, financial, and manufacturing industries.
Strengthening Star Trade’s capacity
According to company forecasts, Star Trade expects that by the end of 2025, the total volume of green electricity purchased from external producers will exceed 650 MW. This development underlines Star Trade’s strategic ambition to further reinforce its central position in Taiwan’s renewable energy market, within a context of growing demand for renewable-sourced electricity.
Jason Chou, Chairman of Star Trade and General Manager of HD Renewable Energy, stated in a press release: “HD Renewable Energy group has always been committed to developing innovative renewable energy solutions. We are pleased to collaborate with Lightsource bp, a recognised international player, to enhance renewable energy supply for Taiwanese companies.” He added that Star Trade continues its recent transformation by bringing in high-level experts and advanced technologies to provide more flexible and efficient solutions, particularly in energy trading and aggregation.
Development of aquaculture solar projects in Taiwan
The hybrid model adopted by Lightsource bp, combining solar generation and aquaculture, enables simultaneous land use for energy production and fish farming activities. This type of project is particularly appealing in Taiwan, where land availability remains a key strategic challenge for renewable energy development. Choosing a solar project combined with aquaculture activities aligns with the national energy strategy aimed at optimising the use of available space to increase the country’s renewable electricity capacity.
