OMNI Features｜A New Milestone in Taiwan's Economy: Investment Amount in Three Major Programs Surpasses NT$2.3 Trillion．Research on Vibration and Magnetic Fields in Offshore Wind Power Generation Indicates Minimal Impact on Sharks

(Source: iStock)

｜A New Milestone in Taiwan's Economy: Investment Amount in Three Major Programs Surpasses NT$2.3 Trillion
On the 5th, the InvesTaiwan Service Center announced the addition of three companies to its investment expansion initiative. These include Molie Quantum Energy Corporation under the "Returning Taiwanese Businesses" program, and AT-HOME ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. and CD Great Industry Co., Ltd. under the "Small and Medium Enterprises" program. To date, the "Three Major Programs to Invest in Taiwan" have attracted 1,506 companies, with investments exceeding NT$2.3208 trillion, estimated to create 152,614 local employment opportunities. Specifically, the "Action Plan for Welcoming Taiwanese Businesses to Return and Invest" has seen 313 companies invest approximately NT$1.2867 trillion, creating 87,706 jobs; the "Action Plan for Accelerating Investment by SMEs" has 1,004 companies investing about NT$474.7 billion, creating 36,656 jobs, with another 21 companies awaiting review.

Molie Quantum Energy, a subsidiary of TCC Group Holdings, specializes in the development and production of ultra-high power cylindrical battery cells, targeting markets such as high-end electric vehicles, eVTOLs, and power backup systems for data centers. To accommodate the rapid growth of the battery industry, the company has established an advanced lithium ternary battery plant in Xiaogang District, Kaohsiung. The plant promotes automated production processes and is designed according to the U.S. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and Taiwan's EEWH Green Building standards, making it the first high-end lithium battery plant in Taiwan to receive green building certification.

CD Great Industry primarily produces elevator screws, customized special screws, and automotive screws. The company plans to build a new plant in the Beigaoxiong Industrial Park, acquiring optical image screening equipment and an automated storage system to enhance product yield and expand operational scale. The new plant will feature photovoltaic facilities and prioritize the use of domestic and energy-saving equipment, reflecting the company's commitment to environmental sustainability. Additionally, CD Great Industry plans to construct a new plant in Shengang District, Taichung, incorporating intelligent production lines and smart control systems to adapt to market changes and customer needs. The new plant will include rooftop solar power facilities, with an investment amount of approximately NT$330 million.

｜Research on Vibration and Magnetic Fields in Offshore Wind Power Generation Indicates Minimal Impact on Sharks
Offshore wind power is an environmentally friendly energy source that substitutes fossil fuels. Wind energy can generate power continuously, but some have pointed out that vibrations, noise, and electromagnetic fields during the power generation process can disrupt sharks, which are highly sensitive to electrical currents.

According to Korean media "donga", Julie Luca, a researcher at the French National Museum of Natural History, presented a study on sharks living in offshore wind farm areas at the Society for Experimental Biology annual meeting held in Prague, Czech Republic, from March 2 to 5. The results indicated that sharks are not significantly affected by the operation of wind farms. Luca used "Lorenzini" to detect microscopic currents. As one of the top predators in marine ecosystems, the healthy survival of sharks is crucial for maintaining the ecosystem. A sharp decline in shark populations could lead to an increase in global greenhouse gas emissions.

To determine whether sharks are affected by the alternating or direct current output of offshore wind power, the research team studied two major life stages of sharks under conditions influenced by wind power, including embryonic and juvenile stages. They measured the extent of weekly development and growth and the metabolic rate. The results showed that the impact of alternating current is very limited and did not interfere with growth and development. The research team plans to determine the impact of direct current by the end of this year. Luca stated, "This research will serve as a reference for utilizing renewable energy without harming marine biodiversity."

Reference: Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA)｜donga.com