For over a decade, Taipower has been dedicated to conserving Kaohsiung's Yong'an Wetland and creating a haven for black-faced spoonbills there. Through scientific management and water level control technology, the wetland has been transformed into a welcoming 'Waterbird Hotel' – an ideal migratory bird habitat and feeding ground. Since autumn last year (2024), the site has hosted hundreds of migratory birds, including globally endangered species such as the black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor), northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata), and Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope). Integrating the wetland's unique features into its operations, Hsinta Power Plant developed an environmental education program that has been certified by the Ministry of Environment. This makes it the first thermal power plant in Taiwan to be officially designated as an environmental education site. The unveiling ceremony was held today (January 3). A Taipower representative stated that while Taipower remains committed to its mission of ensuring stable power supply, it will also continue promoting environmental education and preserving the biodiversity of the Yong'an Wetland, so that these feathered guests can enjoy a cozy winter and make every visit a happy 'Bird-Day'.
Taipower held the Yong'an Wetland Migratory Bird Season and Environmental Education Site Unveiling Ceremony today at the Yong'an Wetland Ecological Education Center in Kaohsiung. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng; Kaohsiung City Government Public Works Bureau Director Yang Chin-Fu; Kaohsiung City Government Environmental Protection Bureau Deputy Director Huang Shih-Hung; and former Kaohsiung City Government Advisor Tsan-Cheng Lin. Together, they jointly unveiled the plaque. Students and teachers from Yong'an Elementary School and Xingang Elementary School were also invited to participate in birdwatching activities, enthusiastically welcoming the start of the migratory bird season at Yong'an Wetland.

《Ecological restoration success – black-faced spoonbill population quadruples in 10 years》

A Taipower representative stated that in 2010, the Company established an ecological survey team and launched ecological conservation research. Since then, they have collected over 500,000 waterbird and water depth observations. Through scientific management and water level control technology, the number of waterbirds at Yong'an Wetland has increased significantly, with the black-faced spoonbill population growing fourfold over the past decade. Today, Yong'an Wetland has become a winter sanctuary for migratory birds. As early as last October, black-faced spoonbills had already been spotted, and recently, charming visitors such as black-winged stilts (Himantopus himantopus), northern shovelers, and Eurasian wigeons have also been seen.
A Taipower representative explained that Yong'an Wetland was originally developed as the Wushulin Salt Fields during the Japanese colonial period. In 1984, with the transformation of the salt industry, the land ownership was transferred to Taipower for power development purposes. However, Taipower not only preserved the Wushulin Salt Manufacturing Company Office – a County-designated historic site – but also made efforts to minimize the scope of development. Taipower retained two-thirds of the site as environmental conservation land, deliberately avoiding key bird habitats. The overall plan designates 41.25 hectares as wetland conservation area and 15 hectares as an ecological buffer zone with greenbelts and protected areas. Statistics show that over 160 species of birds have been recorded visiting the site. The notable phenomenon of "migratory birds becoming resident birds" has also been observed, with species such as the Kentish plover (Anarhynchus alexandrines) and black-winged stilt now settling and breeding in the area.
Taipower also collaborated with internationally-acclaimed, award-winning director Hsu Hung-Lung to produce the documentary film "Flying Bird Power Plant". The film records Taipower's efforts and achievements in ecological conservation. The film has earned multiple honors, including a Platinum Remi Award at the 2024 WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, a Document Special Award at the Accolade Global Film Competition, and an Award of Excellence for Nature/Environment/Wildlife at the All-American Short Film Competition.

《Integrating wetland wonders with energy exploration – three different courses to have fun in!》

Hsinta Power Plant is the only power plant in Taiwan with a wetland onsite. Taipower has integrated ecological conservation with energy education to develop three courses: Wonders of Hsinta; Eco Task Force; and Chasing the Spark. Led by a team of expert instructors, participants can explore the saltwater wetland ecosystem, observing mangrove plants and aquatic fish, shrimp, and shellfish, while also learning about power generation principles. The courses include hands-on creative activities using byproducts from the power generation process, offering a fun and educational experience.
A Taipower representative stated that Hsinta Power Plant received official certification from the Ministry of Environment as an Environmental Education Facility in September last year. The unveiling ceremony was held today, and the site will be open for reservations starting January 10. (For details, please visit the Hsinta Power Plant Environmental Education website: https://www.hsinta-ee.com.tw/ .) Schools and organizations are welcome to get in touch and schedule visits.

《Balancing a stable power supply with ecological conservation: Hsinta's new Unit 1 undergoing trial operation》

To meet growing electricity demand and achieve the net-zero emission goals, Taipower is currently constructing new gas-fired combined cycle units at Hsinta Power Plant. The three new units will have a total installed capacity of 3.9 GW. Construction began in December 2020, and by the end of last year, the project was more than 80% complete. A Taipower representative pointed out that the new Unit 1 first began generating power last September, and is currently undergoing trial operation. The goal is for the unit to be ready for grid dispatch by the end of February, followed by commercial operation. Once officially online, it is expected to generate over 7 TWh of low-carbon electricity per year. Meanwhile, new Units 2 and 3 are currently undergoing mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical installation. They are projected to be gradually connected to the grid starting this year.

Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng 
Phone: (02) 2366-6271/0958-749-333
Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Environmental Protection Director Wu Cheng-Hung
Phone: (02) 2366-7200/0927-291-156
Email: u015279@taipower.com.tw