“We plan to source 70 percent of Penghu’s energy needs from wind power,” Liu told Dow Jones Newswires. “The rest will be carried from Taiwan proper through an undersea cable.”
The 120,000-kilowatt diesel-electric Jianshan Power Plant in Huxi Township is expected to close within “two or three years,” the premier said. Three giant wind turbines will be constructed in its place on Penghu’s north shore.”
According to Liu, initial work has already begun on the undersea cable and wind farm projects, with associated developments in the planning stage. The turbines are to be operated by Taiwan Power Co. and fall under the auspices of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Describing the wind farm’s location as “A-plus,” Liu said that in summer, “Penghu will be an island of sunlight and in winter, an island of wind power.”
A Taipei-based renewable energy consultant hailed the government’s Penghu plan as “groundbreaking” and believes it is the first of many environmental initiatives the administration will unveil in the coming years.
“The plan will put Taiwan on the world map in terms of being a model for renewable energy,” the source said. “It also functions as a ‘living’ advertisement for the island’s green industries.”
Liu said the government’s other green goals for Penghu include using solar energy to heat residents’ homes and power street lighting. In addition, only electric scooters will be operated on the island.
The Penghu initiative is part of the Ma Ying-jeou administration’s drive to build Taiwan’s renewable energy sector into a world-leading industry within five years. In April, the government earmarked NT$45 billion (US$1.36 billion) to bolster output and create employment opportunities in the biofuels, electric vehicles, solar and wind industries.
Write to John Scott Marchant at js_marchant@mail.gio.gov.tw