Taiwan's Power Infrastructure Undergoes Major Upgrades

Strategic Insights -

As Taiwan's electricity demand continues to rise, the country's power infrastructure is undergoing significant upgrades to ensure stable and reliable supply. Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Chien-Hsin Lai recently visited the Datan Power Plant and CPC Corporation's Datan Gas Distribution Station to review the progress of new power generating units and gas supply testing linked to the Third LNG Terminal. The upgrades are crucial in meeting the country's increasing electricity needs and addressing concerns over power supply resilience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Datan Power Plant is a key power source for northern Taiwan, with a total installed capacity of 3.16 GW after the addition of three new gas-fired combined-cycle units.
  • The new units, including Units 8 and 9 which came online last year, and Unit 7 expected to come online before the summer peak, will help deliver stable, low-carbon electricity.
  • CPC has successfully completed the initial gas supply phase from its Third LNG Terminal, establishing a dual-source gas supply system for the Datan Power Plant, ensuring robust backup for the new generating units.
  • The new capacity will significantly enhance the grid's overall power supply capability, addressing concerns over power supply resilience.
  • Taipower is proactively planning to meet electricity demand, with a large-scale gas-fired unit construction plan to provide a combined installed capacity of 4.8 GW this year.
  • The company is prioritizing expanding renewable energy while adding new gas-fired power capacity to ensure stable supply.
  • From 2024 to 2033, Taipower plans a net increase of 17.86 GW in installed capacity from large-scale units, exceeding the projected demand growth of 11.51 GW.

Statistics:

  • The Datan Power Plant has a total installed capacity of 3.16 GW.
  • Units 8 and 9, which were connected to the grid last year, accounted for 1.86 GW of the total.
  • Unit 7, expected to come online before the summer peak, will add an additional 1.3 GW.
  • The Third LNG Terminal has established a dual-source gas supply system for the Datan Power Plant, providing a backup for the new generating units.
  • The new capacity will provide a combined installed capacity of 4.8 GW this year, exceeding the 0.95 GW of Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2.
  • From 2024 to 2033, Taipower plans a net increase of 17.86 GW in installed capacity.

Sources:

  • "Vice Minister Lai visits Taipower's Datan Power Plant and CPC Corporation's Datan Gas Distribution Station" by Taipower (no date)
  • "Taipower's Power Generation Capacity Expansion Plan" by Taipower (no date)
  • "CPC Corporation's LNG Terminal" by CPC Corporation (no date)