WIND IN THE OTHER CHINA

A quiet, smart plan financed by a public/private partnership and running ahead of schedule. No wonder there's so little reporting on Taiwan -- nothing but good news.

Taiwan Uses Wind To Cut Emissions
April 23, 2007 (UPI)

WHO
Bureau of Energy officials under the Ministry of Economic Affairs; Taiwan Power Co., Tien-Lung Paper Co. and InfraVest Wind Power Group;

WHAT
13 wind farms, 100 wind turbines, on Taiwan’s coast, saving 250,000 tons of CO2 annually and plans for more.

WHEN
The 100 were installed beginning in 2000. 200 more will be built by 2010. 546 more by 2020. Taiwan’s goal is to draw 10% of energy from renewable sources by 2010, 805 of that coming from wind.

WHERE
The present and future installations will be along the island nation’s west coast, where winds are strongest.
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WHY
Taiwan has two familiar concerns: to cut dependence on imported energy and to limit emissions. Taiwan Power Co., Tien-Lung Paper Co. and InfraVest Wind Power Group began the installations, which produce 420million kilowatt hours annually, a supply for 105,000 households. The planned installations will generate 500 megawatts. Emissions will also be discouraged with a (tax-like?) “pay-per-use” concept now being drafted by Taiwanese legislators.

QUOTES
“Wind power generated in Taiwan is helping it cut its carbon dioxide emissions…Strong winds along the coast allow high productivity…”