November 8, 2024 — Premier Cho Jung-tai visited the Taichung Power Plant today to conduct an inspection. During the visit, Taipower representatives formally presented the plant’s coal reduction plan, which will be set in motion after the plant's phase II gas-fired units are brought online. As explained to the Premier and local representatives in attendance: After the first gas-fired unit of the phase II gas-fired project is brought online in 2032, the power supply will be abundant, allowing Taipower to significantly expand its coal reduction efforts. Starting from 2032, coal usage is projected to decrease by at least 3 million tons annually. In line with the Premier's directive, the plant aims to achieve a complete phase-out of coal by the end of 2034 at the latest. In response to the Premier's directive to accelerate the gas-fired project, Taipower will make every effort to expedite construction and complete the task diligently. The Company hopes that all levels of government will provide assistance to achieve the goal of replacing coal with gas at Taichung Power Plant as soon as possible.
During today’s inspection of the Taichung Power Plant, Premier Cho formally issued three directives:
1. Taipower must accelerate its efforts to achieve the goal of making the Taichung Power Plant coal-free by the end of 2034.
2. Emergency backup units should remain non-operational under normal circumstances, with periodic testing limiting coal usage to less than 1% of current levels (below 100,000 tons).
3. Currently, six emergency backup coal-fired units are planned to be retained. Taipower is instructed to reassess the number of backup units needed in the year following the commissioning of gas-fired unit 3 (the first unit of the phase II gas-fired project) in 2032, based on the situation at that time.
Taichung Power Plant is currently advancing its phase I gas-fired unit project. According to the original plan, four coal-fired units would be converted to emergency backup status once the gas-fired units became operational. However, through coordination between former Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-Hua and the Taichung City Government, the plan was adjusted to dismantle two coal-fired units and convert the other two to backup status. Taipower representatives emphasized that this commitment remains unchanged.
The adjusted timeline is as follows:
1. Phase I gas-fired project schedule
2025: The first gas-fired unit becomes operational.
2026: The second gas-fired unit becomes operational. By the end of the same year, coal-fired units 1 and 2 will be dismantled, and coal-fired units 3 and 4 will be decommissioned and converted into backup units.
2. Phase II gas-fired project schedule
2031: The first gas-fired unit becomes operational, and coal-fired units 3 and 4 will be dismantled in the same year.
2032: The second gas-fired unit becomes operational, and by the end of the year, coal-fired units 5 and 6 will be decommissioned and converted into emergency backup units.
2033: The third gas-fired unit becomes operational, and by the end of the year, coal-fired units 7 and 8 will be decommissioned and converted into emergency backup units.
2034: The fourth gas-fired unit becomes operational, and by the end of the year, coal-fired units 9 and 10 will be decommissioned and converted into emergency backup units.
However, after hearing the opinions of local residents in central Taiwan, the Premier directed that the number of emergency backup units be reviewed in 2032, following the commissioning of the first gas-fired unit under phase II of the project in 2031. Taipower representatives stated that at that time, the Company will comprehensively consider factors such as geopolitical conditions, the impact of climate change, and Taiwan's overall electricity demand growth to evaluate the feasibility of adjusting the number of backup units. In other words, the maximum number of backup units at that time will remain at six. If a reduction in the number of units is deemed feasible, Taipower will follow the necessary procedures to submit a proposal to the Ministry of Environment to adjust the number of backup units.
A Taipower representative pointed out that during the Company’s previous environmental impact assessment (EIA), it was proposed that each emergency backup unit would not operate for more than 720 hours per year, which is the maximum allowed in accordance with environmental regulations. EIA reviews often require developers to consider a "worst-case scenario" to set a permissible limit. However, in practical operations, the "worst-case scenario" represents an unforeseen event and should not be treated as the norm.
As for the activation of emergency backup units, Taipower representatives emphasized that the decommissioned backup units will remain non-operational under normal circumstances and will only be activated during national security incidents or natural disasters. To avoid being unprepared during critical moments, retaining six coal-fired units as emergency backup units is a risk management strategy that provides maximum security at minimal cost. However, to ensure readiness for emergencies, the coal-fired units will require periodic test operations. It is estimated that the coal consumption for testing six units will not exceed 100,000 tons annually, which is less than 1% of the current coal usage. Moreover, the activation of backup units will be reported to the Taichung City Government, and the air pollution continuous monitoring system will be connected to the Taichung Environmental Protection Bureau.
Over the past decade, the Taichung Power Plant has continuously implemented measures to reduce coal usage and pollution. Significant progress is already evident: During the first phase (starting in 2014), the plant achieved a self-imposed coal reduction of 6 million tons through environmental dispatch of units, and it launched the Air Quality Control System (AQCS) Improvement Project, resulting in a 70% emissions reduction. It is anticipated that after the gas-fired units are completed and brought online during the second phase (phase I gas-fired project) and third phase (phase II gas-fired project), the transition from coal to gas will reduce air pollutant emissions by nearly 90%. Under normal conditions, coal-fired units will remain non-operational and will no longer be responsible for the power supply, ultimately reducing coal consumption for electricity generation to zero.
Taipower representatives emphasized that electricity infrastructure serves the entire nation, and every power plant is a critical energy source for Taiwan. Narrowly focusing on coal reduction at a specific power plant within a single county or city creates a risk of overlooking the broader question of where to add power sources to achieve the goal of maintaining the national electricity supply. Balancing stable power supply with environmental friendliness is undoubtedly a challenging task, and at times, even a difficult dilemma. Taipower bears the responsibility of ensuring a stable power supply while also understanding the public's expectations for improved air quality and environmental conditions. As demands for better air pollution control and reduced emissions continue to rise, the Company is committed to the philosophy of "always striving for better". Despite the challenges, Taipower will persevere and continue its efforts. The Company hopes for greater understanding from all sectors of society regarding its difficulties and support for its electricity infrastructure development initiatives as well as its efforts to balance supply stability with environmental protection.
Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0958-749-333
E-mail: u910707@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Director of Environmental Protection Department Wu Cheng-Hung
Phone: (02) 2366-7200; 0927-291-156
E-mail: u015279@taipower.com.tw
