A solar power system on Taiping Island in the South China Sea has been successfully installed and begun operations, according to the ROC Coast Guard Administration Dec. 13.
The system is in accordance with a plan outlined last November by ROC President Ma Ying-jeou to transform Taiping into Taiwan’s southernmost low-carbon island and to reaffirm ROC sovereignty over the territory, the CGA added.
Chang Te-hao, director of the CGA’s Southern Coastal Patrol Office, said the electricity on Taiping Island is mostly generated by diesel.
“The solar power system can help cut diesel usage by 125,826 liters and reduce carbon emissions by 329 metric tons per year. It is expected to generate 175,920 kilowatt-hours per year and save NT$4.73 million (US$156,106) in electricity costs annually,” he said.
According to the CGA, the new power system includes solar photovoltaic and solar hot water systems, as well as energy-saving electrical equipment.
“The installation of solar power system on the island will be expanded in the future,” Chang said. “Energy-consuming equipment such as air conditioners, indoor lighting, refrigerators, road lamps and water heaters will all be changed into ones that save energy.”
Located 1,400 kilometers off Taiwan proper, Taiping is the largest of the Nansha (Spratly) Islands. In addition to Nansha, the ROC also exercises sovereignty over the Dongsha (Pratas), Xisha (Paracel) and Zhongsha (Macclesfield) islands in the South China Sea. (HZW)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw