Taiwan's Wushantou Reservoir Solar Project: Water Quality Assured Amidst Public Debate

Government Reaffirms No Impact on Water Quality, While Concerns Over Environmental Assessments Persist

The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan has reiterated its stance that the solar power installations on the surface of Tainan’s Wushantou Reservoir have not adversely affected the water quality. This assurance comes after a series of water quality tests conducted throughout the year have consistently shown no negative impact from the reservoir's solar facilities.

According to the Water Resources Agency, the solar energy project covers a modest portion of the reservoir's surface, approximately 1.12%, and its operations do not interfere with the reservoir's primary functions. The facility is a significant contributor to renewable energy, generating around 18 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and offsetting approximately 9,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

Taiwan Cogeneration Corp., the entity managing the solar project, stated that since its commencement in May 2022, the solar panels have been cleaned using pure water to remove dust. The company further ensures the integrity of water quality by commissioning three independent organizations to conduct comprehensive water quality assessments five times annually. The results from these rigorous tests have consistently demonstrated no detrimental effects on the reservoir's water quality.

Despite these official reassurances, a physician from Taipei City Hospital raised concerns, alleging a significant decline in the reservoir's water quality since the solar panels were installed. These claims suggested the potential use of chemicals for panel cleaning. In response, the operating company has indicated it may consider legal recourse and has urged the public to refrain from disseminating unsubstantiated information.

The Tainan Economic Development Bureau has also weighed in, emphasizing that solar panels are primarily composed of silicon, a non-toxic material. The panels are designed with robust sealing, utilizing glass and aluminum frames to prevent any potential leakage. The supporting structures are also engineered to withstand rust and corrosion, further mitigating environmental risks.

However, some political figures have voiced concerns regarding the expansion of such projects. A legislator from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has called for a moratorium on further solar panel installations on four reservoirs in Tainan, citing environmental and public welfare considerations. The legislator highlighted the critical role of Wushantou Reservoir in supporting the region's agriculture, daily water supply, and ecological balance, advocating for a strict policy against any infrastructure that could potentially harm the environment. The ministry has been urged to make all water quality test results related to the reservoir publicly available.

In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has pledged to enhance its oversight of the procedures for cleaning solar panels on reservoirs. The ministry clarified that solar power projects undergo a thorough approval process, which includes obtaining consent from local governments before being submitted for national review.

Furthermore, the ministry stated that if there is public opposition to solar panel installations on reservoir surfaces, the review process is paused until comprehensive dialogue with local residents is successfully completed.

Another legislator pointed out that current regulations do not mandate environmental impact assessments prior to the installation of solar panels. These facilities have been deployed in diverse locations, including hillsides, conservation areas, coastal zones, and reservoirs. The legislator suggested that the Ministry of Environment should consider making such assessments a mandatory requirement for approving future projects.

Similar solar facilities have also been established on the surfaces of Kaohsiung's Fengshan and Agongdian reservoirs. A legislator from the Kuomintang (KMT) noted the ecological significance of Fengshan Reservoir as an important wetland, emphasizing that installations should not proceed without prior environmental review.