The Past and Present of the Salt Fields: Opening of Vena Energy's Chiayi Ecological Conservation Site 2.0 Exhibition

Vena Energy's Ecological Conservation Site in Yizhu Township, Chiayi, has been reopened. This site has transitioned from fish farming and the golden age of salt fields to today's green energy development with the Yizhu Power Plant, bringing new vitality to this land. The site features 4 main thematic permanent exhibitions. The exhibition showcases the history and culture of the Yizhu Township salt fields, bird ecology, and the successful integration of green energy and the environment.

"Sunlight" has historically supported various industries in Yizhu. The early Vena Energy Yizhu Power Plant was part of the salt field area. As salt production declined, the coastal scenery of laborers harvesting salt disappeared. With the energy transition, this land has been revitalized with green energy, giving new life to the abandoned salt fields.

The Ecological Conservation Site and its associated power plant ecological reserve are managed by Vena Energy in collaboration with the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society (KWBS) and Tung Hai University. Through regular meetings and long-term monitoring of the Yizhu Power Plant ecological reserve, KWBS conducts on-site research and devises ecological conservation plans. Visitors can not only learn about the historical and present significance of the salt fields through the Green Energy Ecological Education Center but also witness the increasingly rich waterbird ecology in the reserve.

Wen-Cheng Lee, President of Vena Energy Taiwan, stated, "Vena Energy is the first ground-mounted solar photovoltaic operator to freely purchase green electricity through FIT, the first to establish an ecological reserve within the plant, build a Green Energy Ecological Pavilion, and provide green energy ecological education. Since its establishment in 2020, we have welcomed over 3,000 visitors, ranging in age from 10 to 90, including government agencies, industry partners, schools of all levels, and local residents."

Zheng-Jie Huang, Chief at Yizhu Township, expressed, "We are delighted to have an environmentally conscious company like Vena Energy as our good neighbor, enhancing Yizhu's visibility. When the Black-faced Spoonbill was at its most endangered, there were only about 300 left worldwide. Yet in 2023, Yizhu & Budai Townships set a record by observing over 1,000. Vena Energy has undoubtedly set the best example for environmental stewardship."