Taipower Addresses Coal-Fired Generator Use in Kaohsiung Amidst Environmental Concerns

Transparency and Compliance: Taipower Explains Temporary Activation of Coal Generators in Response to Power Supply Needs

Taipei, Taiwan - In a statement released on Thursday, state-run Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) addressed concerns surrounding the temporary use of two coal-fired generators at the Hsinta Power Plant in Kaohsiung, asserting that the move is compliant with established conditions and fully transparent.

Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) clarified that the No. 3 and No. 4 generators are only activated when the spinning reserve rate falls below 8 percent, a measure permitted for a six-month period commencing in April. He further stated that these units, slated for decommissioning in December 2025 and 2026, are projected to operate only through the end of May.

Tseng emphasized the open nature of the decision, highlighting the availability of real-time operational data on Taipower's website. This underscores the company's commitment to providing public access to operational information.

Taipower Vice President Tsai Chih-meng (蔡志孟) added that the operational hours of these units are restricted to 720 hours annually. The recent activation was prompted by an incident at the privately-run Hoping Power Plant in Hualien and ongoing maintenance at other power generation facilities.

Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) confirmed that the deployment of these generators adheres to the environmental commitments established in 2019. Peng also pointed out that a significant portion of air pollution in Taiwan originates from vehicles, rather than stationary sources like power plants.

These statements were made in response to criticisms that the generator activation was due to power shortage issues.

Meanwhile, Kaohsiung's Environmental Protection Bureau has requested a report from Taipower on the generators' operation and is actively monitoring the impact on local air quality.

The Hsinta Power Plant currently operates five gas-fired generators. Construction of three additional gas units is underway, with completion at 87 percent, although slightly behind the initial schedule.