Taipower's NT$62.8 Billion Green Energy Project Draws Attention – Changhua Prosecutors Launch Investigation

(Source: Changhua District Prosecutors Office｜udn.com )

The coastal waters of Changhua County are recognized as one of Asia's prime locations for green energy wind farms. However, renewable energy developers face challenges from opportunistic "environmental extortionists" who engage in "rent-and-abandon" schemes. The Changhua District Prosecutors Office is in dialogue with Taiwan Power Company (Taipower/TPC) and green energy developers to establish a collaborative platform to combat crimes hindering the development of the green energy industry in Changhua. This platform will integrate intelligence and investigative capabilities to deter unlawful elements eyeing the green energy sector.

The Changhua District Prosecutors Office and the Department of Renewable Energy at Taipower jointly hosted the "TPC Offshore Wind Generation Project Phase II—Wind Farm Equipment Procurement and Installation Project Integrity Platform" seminar.

Taipower emphasizes that Changhua County boasts the nation's most promising wind and solar energy sites. Taipower's current investment of NT$62.8 billion in the Offshore Wind Phase II procurement project plans to install approximately 294.5MW of offshore wind farm capacity in Lukang offshore. Upon completion, it is projected to generate over 1 billion kWh annually, contributing to the government's target of 20% renewable energy and facilitating greenhouse gas reduction and low-carbon energy transition.

The Changhua District Prosecutors Office reaffirmed its commitment to prevent further disruptions from environmental extortionists. Since 2021, they have collaborated with Taipower, the county government, the Clean Government Agency, the Investigation Bureau, and the police to establish the "Changhua Region Combatting Crimes Hindering Green Energy Industry Development Coordination Platform." This platform anticipates potential criminal activities targeting the green energy industry and effectively utilizes administrative and judicial resources to investigate and handle cases swiftly. It aims to serve as a deterrent and foster a transparent and healthy investment environment for the green energy industry.