October 2, 2004
The Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) has earmarked special funds for
R&D on renewable energy for next year. The funds will help a number of companies looking to develop the potential of solar energy, including Tatung, Taipower, and Formosa Plastics.
The solar panel industry in Taiwan was worth
NTD 1.2 billion last year, and the solar water heater industry was worth
NTD 800 million, according to the IDB. The IDB also predicts that by 2008, production output for solar panels will reach
NTD 9.8 billion,
NTD 2 billion for solar water heaters, and
NTD 1.5 billion for wind power equipment. The market for solar water heaters is considered the most mature, and is expected to raise its yearly output to
NTD 900 million from
NTD 800 million in 2003.
The
MOEA Bureau of Energy is looking into wind power as an alternative energy source to lessen Taiwan's dependence on fossil fuels in line with national energy policies. The bureau aims for renewable energy to supply 10% of the island's electricity by the year 2020, and considers wind power a suitable, cost-effective possibility.
The bureau anticipates that 200 wind turbines will come online on Taiwan's west coast within the next five years. At the present time, there are only four wind turbines operating on the Penghu Islands. The Infra Vest Windpower Corporation of Germany is building Taiwan's largest wind-power station in Chiayi, which includes 70 windmills and is scheduled to come online next year. Hsinfeng, an independent power company, is under negotiations with Hsinchu and Miaoli counties to produce wind power, and the Formosa Plastics Group is investing in wind power generation facilities in Yunlin County.
(United Daily News, the Government Information Office)
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