Taiwan hopes solar power plant will boost its solar energy industry

Taiwan is home to Asia's largest solar power plant. The island hopes this new facility will boost its solar energy industry.

Sitting on a two-hectare site in southern Taiwan's Kaohsiung County, the massive energy farm is equipped with 141 huge solar panels. Together, they can produce 100 megawatts of electricity each year.

Established by Taiwan's Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, the facility - which started operating last December - will help Taiwan cut its carbon emissions significantly.

Dr Chen Meng-Chu, researcher, High Concentration Photovoltaic R&D Project, said: "The plant could reduce 650 to 700 tonnes of carbon emissions if compared with a coal power plant. And it is 1,000 tonnes lower than a fuel power plant."

With more than 300 days of sunlight annually, local officials said southern Taiwan is the ideal location for developing the photovoltaic industry.

Dr Chen said: "We hope to connect nearby facilities, such as Xinda power plant and the oceanic research centre, to form a low carbon community. And we hope to better develop Kaohsiung's solar industry." 
While the solar plant is bringing more energy developments to the southern city, it also has a host of new advancements to boost its efficiency. For example, sensors can change the direction of solar panels by tracking the sun's movements.

But it comes at a higher cost. According to the researchers, the power generated by the plant costs US$8 to produce, compared to traditional solar power plants, which cost around US$3.

However, solar manufacturers in the nearby industrial park believe the price tag will come down with large-scale development and commercialisation.

Lin Wen-Chang, president, Epoch Energy Technology Corp, said: "We have a wide application of solar energy in southern Taiwan already. You can see many solar-powered lights and signs inside the industrial park."

With their sights set on the international market, manufacturers said the future looks promising.

Chang Jung-Yuan, plant manager, NanoWin Thin Film Tech Company, said: "We know the Copenhagen Conference is just over. It seems the demand will grow 45 per cent in 2010, with a 50 per cent annual increase in the following 10 years. The market size is massive."

Taiwan's solar energy industry is estimated to be worth up to US$6.25 billion by 2020. - CNA/ms  
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