Taipower Defends Energy Policy Amid Concerns Over Thermal Power Generation

Strategic Insights -

Taipei -- After the shutdown of Taiwan's last operating nuclear reactor on Saturday, concerns have been raised over increased thermal power generation. Taipower has defended its energy policy, citing a surge in nighttime electricity consumption as the reason for increased output from its thermal power plants. However, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and environmental advocates have disputed this claim, pointing to data that suggests the Taichung Thermal Power Plant is operating near full capacity. As the debate continues, Taipower has emphasized the importance of energy diversification and reduced emissions from thermal power generation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Taipower defended its energy policy, saying that increased thermal power generation was due to a surge in nighttime electricity consumption after the shutdown of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant's Reactor No. 1 on July 2024.
  • Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen disputed this claim, citing data that showed nine out of ten coal-fired generators at the Taichung Thermal Power Plant were running at 90% capacity in the days following the shutdown.
  • Climate Pioneers League founder and Taipower employee Yang Chia-fa alleged that the thermal power plant in Penghu increased its load to meet Taiwan's broader power demand.
  • Taipower refuted Yang's claim, saying that the increase in load was due to a local surge in demand.
  • The company cited a 70% reduction in air pollutants from thermal power generation between 2016 and 2024.
  • Taipower emphasized the importance of energy diversification to ensure grid stability and urged the public not to stigmatize thermal power while overlooking the unresolved challenge of nuclear waste disposal.

Statistics:

  • 9 out of 10 coal-fired generators at the Taichung Thermal Power Plant were running at 90% capacity in the days following the shutdown on Saturday.
  • Nighttime electricity consumption on Saturday broke a monthly record.
  • 70% reduction in air pollutants from thermal power generation between 2016 and 2024.
  • 9 generators at the Taichung coal-fired facility were operating at 80% to 90% capacity on Monday.

Sources:

  • UDN
  • CNA
  • Liberty Times