MOEA States Taiya Renewable Energy's Onshore Wind Projects Require Local Consensus Before Approval

Recent media reports noted that Taiya Renewable Energy is planning to develop three onshore wind farms along Taiwan's east coast. The projects have raised local concerns during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) opinion-collection stage, particularly regarding landscape, noise, and ecologically sensitive areas. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) emphasized that the establishment of onshore wind farms will be strictly regulated in accordance with the law. The MOEA made clear that Taiya Renewable Energy's development proposals will not be approved unless consensus with local communities is reached and environmental impacts, especially those concerning ecology are fully clarified.

The MOEA stated that the establishment of onshore wind power projects is being strictly regulated in accordance with the law. All development cases must undergo EIA procedures in compliance with relevant regulations and secure the consent of local governments before being formally submitted by the MOEA to the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) for substantive review. During this process, environmental impact statement (EIS) summaries are publicly disclosed and hearings are convened. The MOEA noted that the three sites proposed by Taiya Renewable Energy remain in the preparatory stage of the EIA procedure and have not yet entered the formal power development application process.

The MOEA further explained that existing onshore wind power projects in Taiwan have all complied with EIA and power development application procedures, and have not caused significant environmental or ecological impacts. The MOENV has also tightened the EIA standards for onshore wind power. Projects with wind turbines located within 500 meters of buildings must undergo EIA review. In addition, noise control standards are enforced under the Noise Control Act, with limits set at 50 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night, ensuring that wind power development proceeds in balance with local communities and environmental protection. The MOEA added that, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, it has established a "Green Energy Industry Integrity Platform" and a cross-ministerial task force to continuously prevent improper interference and corruption. These measures are aimed at eliminating external undue influence and ensuring that the promotion of green energy advances steadily under an open, transparent, and sound regulatory framework.

The MOEA underscored that onshore wind power development must strictly comply with the EIA Act, the Electricity Act, and the Regulations on Registration of Electricity Industry. Developers are required to obtain both EIA documentation and local government approval before an application can be submitted. If local consensus is lacking and local authorities do not support the project, the MOEA will not grant approval. This ensures that renewable energy development moves forward in alignment with environmental protection and community interests.