Today (17th), Taichung City celebrated the launch of the Shishuike River Drainage Small Hydropower Plant, marking the first small hydropower project in Taiwan developed and completed by a local government. Mayor Lu Hsiu-Yen highlighted the plant's role in advancing clean renewable energy, reducing the environmental impact of traditional thermal power, and moving towards environmental sustainability.
Mayor Lu expressed gratitude to Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming for his strong support and Director Fan Shih-I of the Water Resources Bureau for his team's efforts. The city government, through public-private cooperation with Fong He Green Energy & Environment Co., Ltd. and Jabbo Technology Co., Ltd. has jointly achieved an important milestone for green energy in Taichung City.
Mayor Lu noted that companies increasingly require green energy certifications with the global emphasis on green energy. This new hydropower plant is capable of producing 1,000 renewable energy certificates annually, opening up new business prospects in green energy. In addition, the Shishuike River Drainage Small Hydropower Plant, the Shigang Dam Water Resources Recycling Center, and the Da Jia River Water Resources Exhibition Hall jointly create an environmental education hub on Taichung City's popular tourist spot—Dongfeng Bikeway. The city government has installed educational signs about small hydropower along the bikeway, providing both citizens and tourists with insights into small hydropower and integrating recreational activities with environmental education.
Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming expressed his honor at witnessing the Taichung City Government's concrete actions and determination in promoting small hydropower projects. The city government is actively putting the concepts of energy conservation and carbon reduction into practice through the use of Taiwan's unique landscape to generate renewable energy, marking a significant progress in Taiwan's green energy efforts.
Director Fan Shih-I of the Water Resources Bureau noted that the bureau began assessing potential drainage sites in 2020 and initiated the Taichung City Small Hydropower Development Project in 2021. The project's first hydropower plant is situated at the Shishuike River drainage outlet. It uses siphon turbines as small hydropower turbines to harness the kinetic energy of the water flow for electricity generation. The used water is then piped back into the river, and the generated electricity is transmitted through the low-voltage connections at the Shigang Dam Water Resources Recycling Center.
Director Fan added that to prevent floodwaters from impacting the turbines, a semi-shielded design was adopted to address the technical difficulties associated with developing high-flow river environments. The plant has a capacity of 185 kW and is expected to generate around 1,000 renewable energy certificates each year. Delta Energy Inc. will purchase both the renewable energy and certificates, jointly contributing to the goals of energy transition and sustainable water resources management.
At today's ceremony, attendees included Mayor Lu Hsiu-Yen, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming, City Council Member Wu Chen-Chia, Professor Li Hung-Yuan from the Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Director Chuang Yao-Cheng of the Central Region Water Resources Branch, Water Resources Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Director Fan Shih-I of the Water Resources Bureau, General Manager Daniel Chang of Delta Energy Inc., CEO Chen Kuan-Hung of Fong He Green Energy & Environment Co., Ltd., Chairman Wang Kai-Chung of Jabbo Technology Co., Ltd., and Business Director Bert Brands from a Czech turbine company. Additionally, Vice President Chiang Chi-Chen of the Legislative Yuan, Legislator Tsai Chi-Chang, and City Council Member Tsai Cheng-Kuei sent delegates on their behalf.
(7/17*15) Water Resources Bureau
Contact person: Miss Liao, Water Resources Planning Division, Water Resources Bureau, Taichung City Government
Contact number: 04-22289111 ext. 53407