Taichung City Council mandates coal decommissioning schedule for power plant permits

The Taichung City Council has passed a motion requiring Taipower to submit a formal schedule for the decommissioning of coal-fired units at the Taichung Power Plant before the city government issues operating permits for new gas-fired units. The motion, proposed by the Kuomintang faction, aims to ensure that the transition from coal to gas—a key promise made to local residents—is fulfilled as new gas units become operational.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has called on Premier Cho Jung-tai to honor previous agreements to remove coal units and chimneys once gas capacity is online. Lu noted that a single gas unit provides the power equivalent of 2.5 coal units, offering significant potential for reducing coal consumption and improving air quality. However, she also expressed concern regarding reports that the central government's coal procurement budget has increased by 10 billion TWD, which could potentially undermine local decarbonization efforts.

While one gas unit has completed testing and is awaiting an operating permit, a second unit is currently in the trial operation phase. Political debate continues in the council, with members of the Democratic Progressive Party questioning whether delays in permit issuance have negatively impacted local air quality.