Taiwan Grapples with Smog: Power Plants Reduce Operations as Air Quality Deteriorates

Northern Taiwan Experiences Elevated Air Pollution Levels, Prompting Emission Controls and Health Advisories.

Taipei, Taiwan - March 25, 2024 - Authorities in Taiwan responded to unhealthy air quality levels by implementing measures to curb pollution, with power plants across the country temporarily reducing operations.

Monitoring stations across Northern Taiwan, including Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan, issued "red warnings" on Tuesday afternoon, indicating air quality unhealthy for all residents, according to the Ministry of Environment (MOENV).

To combat the deteriorating air quality, the MOENV collaborated with Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) to enforce load reduction and emission controls at power plants. These measures were enacted in Keelung, Yunlin County, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

The total reduction in power generation reached 132.52 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) by 6 p.m., the MOENV reported.

The ministry attributed the poor air quality to southeasterly to southerly winds that trapped pollutants in downwind areas, particularly in Northern and Central Taiwan. The afternoon's sunlight also triggered photochemical reactions, resulting in increased ozone concentrations.

Looking ahead, the MOENV anticipates that southeasterly to southwesterly winds from Tuesday to Thursday will persist in trapping pollutants in the north, while ozone levels could rise in the afternoon due to photochemical effects. A cold front and stronger northeastern winds are expected from Friday to Sunday, which may shift air pollution southward, potentially leading to pollutant accumulation in central and southern regions.

The MOENV advised residents, particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues, to stay indoors whenever possible. Outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones, should be minimized, and masks should be worn when venturing outside.