The Taichung City Government continues to advance its green energy and sustainability agenda as it works to build a low-carbon city! Mayor Hsiu-Yen Lu said that, starting in 2020, the City conducted assessments of small hydropower potential across drainage systems under municipal management. In 2021, the City launched the Taichung City Small Hydropower Development Project, partnering through public-private collaboration with Fong He Green Energy & Environment Co., Ltd. and Jabbo Technology Co., Ltd. to promote green energy development. Developed under the City Government’s leadership, the Shishuike River Drainage Small Hydropower Plant began operation last year, becoming the nation’s first small hydropower project independently developed and completed by a local government. Subsequently, in December of the same year, the City launched the second phase of works, adding an additional siphon turbine at the tailwater outlet of the Phase 1 system to enable secondary power generation. This further improves energy efficiency and demonstrates Taichung’s firm commitment to becoming a renewable energy city.
Mayor Lu added that, amid the global momentum for energy conservation and carbon reduction, green energy development has become a worldwide trend, and many companies and institutions increasingly require green electricity certification to fulfill corporate social responsibility. Under central government regulations on renewable energy certification, the Shishuike River Drainage Small Hydropower Plant is expected to generate approximately 1,000 renewable energy certificates each year. In addition to reducing the environmental impact associated with thermal power generation, the project also opens up new green energy business opportunities for Taichung. The project is not only a concrete action toward energy transition, but also a major milestone in Taichung City’s efforts to advance environmental sustainability.
Director General Shih-Yi Fan of the Water Resources Bureau noted that many of Taiwan’s rivers have steep gradients and swift currents, and water conditions can change rapidly after rainfall, posing challenges for water resources management and utilization. The “siphon turbine units” adopted for this project are highly adaptable, allowing flexible application across a wide range of terrains and hydrological conditions. The number and capacity of units can also be adjusted according to demand, enabling scalable power generation and maximizing the use of renewable energy.
In addition, the power plant site links the Shigang Dam Water Resource Recovery Center and the Dajia River Water Resources Exhibition Hall, together forming an Environmental Education Golden Triangle along the Dongfeng Bicycle Green Corridor. The City Government has also installed interpretive panels on small hydropower along the Dongfeng Bikeway, allowing residents and visitors to learn the principles of renewable energy while cycling, combining recreation with environmental education and integrating green energy learning into everyday leisure.
The Water Resources Bureau further noted that the launch of the Shishuike River Drainage Small Hydropower Plant not only provides new impetus for Taichung’s renewable energy development, but also symbolizes the arrival of new hope. The project integrates water resources management with renewable energy development to maximize overall resource potential, and advances six key targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being, SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 13 Climate Action, and SDG 15 Life on Land, demonstrating Taichung’s firm commitment to building a sustainable city and strengthening environmental protection. (10/23*17)*Water Resources Bureau
Contact: Water Resources Bureau of Taichung City Government
Contact Number: 04-22289111