Taichung, Taiwan — Premier Cho Jung-tai announced on Friday that Taiwan’s largest coal-fired power plant, the Taichung Power Plant, will complete its transition from coal to natural gas by 2034, one year ahead of the initial schedule. This move is part of Taiwan’s efforts to reduce air pollution and cut carbon emissions, making a significant step in the country’s green energy transformation.
Taiwan’s Bold Move to Phase Out Coal at Taichung Power Plant by 2034
The government’s announcement comes as part of its commitment to addressing climate change and reducing Taiwan’s main source of air pollution. The Taichung Power Plant, currently one of the country’s largest coal-fired power stations, will shift to using natural gas as part of the government’s push for cleaner energy.
According to Premier Cho, the transition is expected to be completed by the end of 2034. This decision was made after the Taiwanese government reviewed ongoing plans and evaluated the environmental impact. The shift is being seen as a landmark moment in Taiwan’s energy policy.
The plant’s operator, Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower), has committed to building new natural gas facilities to replace the coal-fired power generation units, with plans to have at least eight gas-fired units in place by 2028. This is part of a broader plan to phase out coal and reduce reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
Taichung Power Plant’s Transition Plan: Key Milestones and Timelines
During his visit to the plant, Premier Cho outlined the following key points regarding the transition:
- Coal-to-Gas Transition Deadline: By 2034, the Taichung Power Plant will no longer burn coal to generate power.
- Dismantling Coal Units: Four of the plant’s existing ten coal-fired units will be dismantled entirely by 2028. The remaining six will be decommissioned but kept available for use only in emergency situations, such as national security concerns or natural disasters.
- Emergency Coal Use: The six standby coal-fired units will only be activated during emergencies. If activated, the coal usage will be restricted to less than 1 percent of current levels.
- Evaluation in 2032: The government will reevaluate whether the emergency coal-fired units are still necessary by 2032, paving the way for further reductions in coal reliance.
Environmental Impact of the Transition: Cleaner Future for Taiwan
The coal-to-gas transition at Taichung Power Plant is part of Taiwan’s broader effort to meet its environmental goals. The government estimates that the shift will reduce air pollution by 88 percent compared to the current coal-powered operations. With Taiwan facing serious air quality challenges, this shift is seen as an essential part of the country’s effort to combat climate change and improve public health.
However, the plan has also sparked debate within Taiwan’s political landscape. Opposition lawmakers have expressed concerns about why some decommissioned coal units will be retained for future use. Despite this, the government remains confident that the transition to natural gas, along with the dismantling of some coal units, will mark a significant improvement in Taiwan’s overall environmental impact.
Table: Taichung Power Plant’s Coal-to-Gas Transition Plan Timeline
| Timeline | Action/Goal |
|---|---|
| 2028 | Installation of 8 gas-fired units; 2 units still operational |
| 2028-2034 | Gradual dismantling of 2 coal-fired units |
| 2034 | Complete phase-out of coal; coal usage reduced to under 1% |
| 2032 | Government reevaluation of need for emergency coal units |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the Taichung Power Plant transitioning to natural gas?
The transition aims to reduce Taiwan’s air pollution, which is primarily caused by coal burning. The move is part of a broader government initiative to cut carbon emissions and improve environmental sustainability.
2. When will the transition from coal to natural gas be completed?
The government plans to complete the transition by the end of 2034, a year ahead of the original schedule.
3. How will this transition affect the number of coal-fired units at the plant?
The Taichung Power Plant will dismantle four of its ten coal-fired units by 2028. The remaining six will be decommissioned and used only in emergency situations, with coal usage reduced to less than 1 percent of current levels.
4. What will happen to the emergency coal-fired units?
The six emergency coal units will only be activated if necessary, such as during national security emergencies or natural disasters. The government will also assess their need in 2032.
5. How will this transition benefit Taiwan’s environment?
The shift is expected to reduce the plant’s carbon emissions and air pollution by up to 88 percent, significantly improving air quality and contributing to Taiwan’s climate change mitigation efforts.
