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Nuclear energy

Taipower Addresses Public Concerns Over Coal-Fired Unit Operations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Taipower, the state-owned power generation and transmission company of Taiwan, held a press conference to address recent public concerns regarding the operation of coal-fired units at Taichung and Hsinta power plants. Chairman Wen-Sheng Tseng emphasized that Taipower's core mission is to ensure a stable and safe power supply, and that all dispatching measures are conducted in strict accordance with relevant regulations and environmental commitments.

Key Takeaways:

  • Taipower has consistently pursued proactive coal reduction measures, limiting the number of operating units to no more than nine during the non-air pollution season (April to September), and reducing annual coal consumption from 18 million metric tons to below 12.6 million metric tons.
  • Coal-fired power generation accounted for 31.1% of Taipower's total power generation in 2024, compared to 47.3% for gas-fired generation. In 2025, the share of gas-fired generation is projected to rise to 52.2%, with coal dropping to just 26.9%.
  • Taipower aims to fully phase out coal at Taichung site by the end of 2034 at the latest, and has pledged to continue support from local governments to help realize the goal of replacing coal with gas as early as possible.
  • Hsinta's coal-fired Units 3 and 4 are currently still in service, operating under strict conditions and in compliance with environmental impact assessment (EIA) commitments. These units have not operated during the first and fourth quarters since last year.
  • Taipower recognizes local governments' expectations for stronger commitments and is committed to honoring its environmental commitments and regulations, with operational information transparently disclosed on its website.

Statistics:

  • Annual coal consumption has dropped from 18 million metric tons to below 12.6 million metric tons.
  • Coal use continues to decline, with gas-fired power generation rising from 47.3% of Taipower's total power generation in 2024 to 52.2% in 2025.
  • Hsinta Units 3 and 4 have generated below 100 hours each this year, aside from periodic tests.

Sources:

  • Taipower press conference, May 23.
  • Chairman Wen-Sheng Tseng's statement.
  • Taipower website, operational information.

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