Taipower Clarifies Operating Permits for Taichung Power Plant Amid Public Concerns

Strategic Insights -

Taipower has held a press conference to address public concerns over the operating permits for the Taichung Power Plant's generating units. The company emphasized that the plant is operating in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and five power generating units have applied for permit extensions, which have been stalled by the Taichung City Government for nine months. Taipower reiterated its commitment to reducing coal consumption and achieving coal-free power generation at Taichung, but maintaining a stable power supply remains a top priority. The plant's current power generation already falls short of Taichung's electricity demand, and phasing out coal too quickly could jeopardize supply security.

Key Takeaways:

  • Taipower clarified that the Taichung Power Plant is operating in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
  • Five power generating units have applied for permit extensions, which have been stalled by the Taichung City Government for nine months.
  • Taipower aims to reduce coal consumption and achieve coal-free power generation at Taichung, but maintaining a stable power supply is a top priority.
  • The plant's current power generation falls short of Taichung's electricity demand, leaving a power shortfall that must be met by other counties and cities.
  • Phasing out coal too quickly could jeopardize supply security, and Taipower is pressing ahead with its plan to replace coal with new gas-fired units.
  • The New Unit 1 is scheduled to come online by year-end, and two coal-fired units will be decommissioned next year.
  • Taipower is committed to ensuring stable power supply while gradually reducing coal consumption, making Taichung Power Plant the largest single contributor to local stationary-source pollution reduction in Taichung City.
  • Coal consumption at the Taichung Power Plant has hit a historic low in 2024, down more than 6 million metric tons compared to its 2014 peak.
  • Over the past eight years, air pollutant emissions have fallen by nearly 80% at the Taichung Power Plant.

Statistics:

  • 5 power generating units have applied for permit extensions, which have been stalled by the Taichung City Government for 9 months.
  • The Taichung Power Plant's coal consumption hit a historic low in 2024, down more than 6 million metric tons compared to its 2014 peak.
  • Over the past eight years, air pollutant emissions have fallen by nearly 80% at the Taichung Power Plant.
  • The plant's power generation already falls short of Taichung's electricity demand by a power shortfall of several billion kilowatt-hours.
  • Taipower is committed to replacing coal with new gas-fired units, with the New Unit 1 scheduled to come online by year-end.

Sources:

  • Taipower press conference (June 3)
  • Article 31 of the Stationary Pollution Source Installation, Operating and Fuel Use Permit Management Regulations Amended Clauses
  • Taiwan Emission Data System (TEDS) statistics
  • Environmental Protection Administration (EPA)
  • Air Pollution Control Act, Article 30, Paragraph 3