Taichung Mayor demands coal decommissioning for new gas units

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is demanding that the central government strictly adhere to the “increase gas, remove coal” agreement regarding the Taichung Power Plant. During a recent inspection, Lu expressed concern that while the central government aims for a coal-free plant by 2034, Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) has applied for permits for two new gas units without clearly confirming the simultaneous decommissioning of two coal units.

Lu emphasized that the local government holds the authority to issue gas unit operating permits, but the Ministry of Economic Affairs controls the decommissioning permits for coal units. She stated that the city will not issue new gas permits unless the central government provides official documentation proving that the corresponding coal units will be dismantled. She warned that failing to remove coal units while adding gas units would lead to an expansion of chimneys and total units, placing the burden of increased carbon emissions and air pollution on the 7 million residents of central Taiwan.

Lu noted that air pollution from the plant has already decreased by 78% over the past eight years, and she maintains a strong will to protect public health by ensuring that any increase in gas-fired power is matched by a reduction in coal-fired capacity.