This summer, the power supply capacity is further improved! In cooperation with the completion of the Tongxiao Power Plant Expansion Project Phase I, the construction of the "Tongxiao 345kV Ultra-high voltage (UHV) power transmission line" was completed today (April 30) and is in operation, increasing the transmission of 1 million kW of electricity. If the estimated peak electricity consumption of 37.91 million kW for this summer is considered, such increase in electricity transmission is equivalent to an increase of 2.6% in the percent operating reserve. Taipower pointed out that as the power supply becomes more stable this summer, Taichung Power Plant will also implement a more stringent "plan to voluntarily reduce the use of coal" after the air pollution season starting in October of 2020, doing its best to improve the air quality of Taiwan.
    According to Taipower, the Tongxiao 345kV Ultra-high voltage (UHV) power transmission line is in operation today to deliver electricity and has increased the power supply capacity by 1 million kW, allowing the Tongxiao Power Plant to generate electricity at full load, which not only strengthens the stability of power supply, but also enhances the flexibility of the power system dispatch as well as emergency response capabilities. Taipower estimates that in this summer, the percent operating reserve is expected to stay above 10%, giving a green light that symbolizes "adequate power supply".
    As explained by Taipower, Tongxiao Power Plant completed Phase I of the Renovation Project for three natural gas units in 2019, increasing the power generation capacity from 1.85 million kW to 3.75 million kW. As the units continue to incorporate into the power system, the upgrade of the 161kV power transmission line was completed last year, and the construction project of the 345kV power transmission line was further completed this year. Taipower also added that the Tongxiao 345kV UHV power transmission line was designed to go from Tongxiao Power Plant along the Tongxiao Creek (from west to east), and connect to the north-south UHV 3rd power transmission line (Emei ~ Houli Sections) through Tongxiao, Sanyi, Tongluo and Dahu. The total length of the line is about 24.2 kilometers, and a total of 65 UHV towers were built. After overcoming various challenges during the construction, the power transmission was finally completed today.
    As mentioned by Taipower, as the power supply becomes more stable this summer, Taichung Power Plant will implement a more stringent "plan to voluntarily reduce the use of coal" starting in October of 2020. The maximum number of operating units in the air pollution season has been reduced from 8 units originally promised to 7, and the total power generation does not exceed 3.3 million kW (equivalent to the power generation of 6 units), which is equivalent to the reduction of the power generated by two units assuming that about 4.4 million kW of electricity was generated by 8 units in the past. It is estimated that the coal consumption of Taichung Coal-Fired Power Plant can be reduced to less than 12.6 million tons this year, reaching the goal of both stable power supply and environmental protection with low-carbon emission.
    Taipower also said that despite the power supply will be optimistic and stable in the future, Taipower will continue to implement the annual maintenance work carefully for all units, ensure the unit's safe operation and strengthen the flexibility of power dispatching in responding to the possible abnormal high temperature during this summer or any emergency conditions that may occur to each unit. Taipower also urges the public to work together to implement power-saving actions, making efforts in realizing low-carbon environment and energy conservation.