Premier Cho Jung-tai inspected Taichung Power Plant on Friday morning (Nov. 8), where he pledged the facility and the country would phase out coal power generation within a decade.
To prepare for this phase-out, Cho said four new gas-fired units at the facility will be completed by 2032. Converting from coal to gas power generation will lead to fewer emissions, per CNA.
While inspecting the facility, Cho issued three directives: Taipower will continue toward the goal of coal-free power supply by 2034, backup coal-fired units will only be activated for national security natural disaster needs, the status of the remaining six backup coal power units will be re-evaluated after 2032.
Cho said Taichung Power Plant has greatly contributed to Taiwan’s industrial economy development. Cho said the plant’s conversion to gas power generation will alleviate pressure on citizens and improve Taichung’s air quality while ensuring Taiwan’s industrial development.
According to Cho, the gas conversion is also in line with the Taichung City Government’s demand for a 1-for-1 exchange of coal power for gas power generation. The first phase is from 2026 to 2028 where two gas-fired units will be added and two coal-fired units demolished; the second phase begins in 2028 with gas-fired units added and two coal-fired units dismantled.
When the conversion from coal is completed, Cho said six coal-fired units will remain as a backup.
In response to the coal-fired power plants being kept as a backup, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen said concentrating the nation’s energy generation at one plant makes it more vulnerable to attack.