Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Department of Pharmaceuticals hosts Industry Dialogue on Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme at Bengaluru

Innovate in India and Make for the World aiming to position the country as a global leader in innovation and manufacturing for the world: Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, hosted an Industry Dialogue on the scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) at Bangalore on 25th March 2025. The event served as a significant platform for representatives from industry, startups, and research institutes, including representatives from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and innovation hubs like C-CAMP (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms), to engage in discussions aimed at fostering collaboration, and leveraging government initiatives to accelerate research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical and MedTech sectors.

The session provided detailed insights into the PRIP Scheme, along with other government initiatives promoting and enabling research innovation in the sector. Notable initiatives such as ICMR’s Patent Mitra, MedTech Mitra, and Indian Clinical Trial and Education Network (INTENT) programme were discussed, with an emphasis on support for patent filing, facilitating the innovation journey, clinical trials, and commercialization of R&D outcomes. The CSIR’s Innovation Complex and C-CAMP’s incubation facilities were also highlighted as key enablers for translational research and industry collaboration.

Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, underscored India’s comparative advantage in enhancing the resilience of global supply chains, a goal further supported by the PRIP Scheme. He advocated progression from “Make in India” also Innovate in India and Make for the World aiming to position the country as a global leader in innovation and manufacturing for the world.

In the breakout sessions, representatives from startups, Industry, academia and other stakeholders gave in-depth feedback regarding research and innovation opportunities, emerging R&D trends, strategies to enhance industry-academia collaboration. Useful suggestions were made regarding maximising funding opportunities and scaling up innovative research initiatives to drive the sector’s growth.

The stakeholders were encouraged to submit their feedback and project details through the Expression of Interest (EoI) hosted on the Department of Pharmaceuticals website, which will be open till April 7, 2025. This process will help refine the implementation strategy of the PRIP Scheme, ensuring it aligns with industry need and drives sectoral growth.

The Industry Dialogue in Bangalore was an insightful and productive event, with participants reaffirming their commitment to fostering a collaborative, innovation-driven ecosystem in the Pharma-MedTech sector.

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(Release ID: 2114990) Visitor Counter : 151

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Operations Wing of Kowloon East Region of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (March 25) conducted the second phase of an inter-departmental tabletop exercise for the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), codenamed “WINGEDTIGER”, at the Kowloon East Regional Headquarters. The exercise aimed to enhance collaboration and immediate response capabilities among relevant government bureaux, departments and stakeholders in responding to emergencies in transportation services during large-scale events.
 
     The exercise built on insights from the first phase of the tabletop exercise completed on October 25, 2024, and data collected from a number of subsequent large-scale test events and stress tests, which showed approximately 70 per cent of participants chose to take the MTR Tuen Ma Line during large-scale events at the KTSP. As such, this exercise, which was based on the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens simulated different emergency scenarios involving train operations and signal systems at nearby MTR stations,  causing varying degrees of impact to the MTR Tuen Ma Line service.
 
     The exercise aimed to enhance stakeholders’ ability to immediately deploy manpower, implement appropriate contingency measures, and coordinate inter-departmental actions according to different emergency situations, so as to minimise impacts on participants of large-scale events and local residents near the KTSP, as well as ensuring their safety and smooth mobility.
 
     Supported by 13 government bureaux, departments and relevant organisations, over 150 representatives participated in the exercise, including personnel from the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Security Bureau, the HKPF, the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Transport Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Home Affairs Department (Wong Tai Sin District Office and Kowloon City District Office), the MTR Corporation Limited and the KTSP Limited.

Source: Government of India

Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector to promote research and development (R&D) including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) provide training in AI-based tools to build human resource capacities in these areas for the pharmaceutical sector

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:58PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has taken steps to promote research and development (R&D) in the sector, including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, in the pharmaceutical sector through the Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector. Further, the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) under the aegis of DoP have introduced topics related to AI and block chain technology in their courses and they provide training to students in AI-based tools to build human resource capacities in these areas for the pharmaceutical sector. In addition, the Department of Biotechnology also supports AI-based research activities in the biotech sector, particularly in the healthcare and agriculture areas, in order to leverage emerging technologies for these sectors. Further, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, with the assistance of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, has undertaken a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of a block-chain-based track-and-trace system for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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(Release ID: 2114991) Visitor Counter : 146

Source: Government of India

New Investment Policy (NIP) to facilitate fresh investment and making India Self-Sufficient in the urea sector

Total 6 new urea units have been set up under NIP-2012 including 4 Urea units set up through Joint Venture Companies (JVC) of nominated PSUs and 2 Urea units set up by the private companies

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

The Government had announced New Investment Policy (NIP) – 2012 on 2nd January, 2013 and its amendment on 7th October, 2014 to facilitate fresh investment in the urea sector and to make India self-sufficient in the urea sector. Total 6 new urea units have been set up under NIP-2012 which includes 4 Urea units set up through Joint Venture Companies (JVC) of nominated PSUs and 2 Urea units set up by the private companies. The units set up through JVC are Ramagundam Urea unit of Ramagundam Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (RFCL) in Telangana and 3 Urea units namely Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar, respectively. The units set up by private companies are Panagarh Urea unit of Matix Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. (Matix) in West Bengal; and Gadepan-III Urea unit of Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. (CFCL) in Rajasthan. Each of these units has installed capacity of 12.7 Lakh Metric Tonne per annum (LMTPA). These units are highly energy efficient as they are based on latest technology.  Therefore, these units have together added urea production of 76.2 LMTPA thereby total production urea production capacity (RAC) has increased from 207.54 LMTPA during 2014-15 to 283.74 LMTPA in 2023-24.

The Government has implemented Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy w.e.f. 01.04.2010 for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) Fertilizers. Under the policy, a fixed amount of subsidy, decided on annual/bi-annual basis, is provided on notified P&K fertilizers depending on their nutrient content. The P&K sector is decontrolled, fertilizer companies are allowed to fix MRP at reasonable levels.The fertilizer companies manufacture/import fertilizers and do investment as per the market dynamics.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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(Release ID: 2114993) Visitor Counter : 147

Source: Government of India

India, Singapore Sign Letter of Intent (LOI) on Green Shipping & Digital Corridor Collaboration

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal along with Senior Minister Dr Amy Khor Attends the Signing Ceremony

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held Bilateral Meeting with Vice Minister Brigit Gijsbers of The Netharlands on Further Deepening Maritime Cooperation between the two countries

“Fruitful discussion on using Dutch Global expertise to enable Cargo Movement in low draft rivers of Brahmaputra & Barak”: Sarbananda Sonowal

Sarbananda Sonowal joined Dr Amy Khor to inaugurate India Pavillion at the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 

Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates ‘’ Pavillion, Presides over India Business Roundtable

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 8:16PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal attended the signing ceremony of Letter of Intent (LOI) between India and Singapore on maritime digitalisation (Digital Corridor Collaboration) and Decarbonisation (Green Shipping) here today. Shri Sonowal was joined by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Enviornment and Ministry of Transport, Singapore. The LOI was inked by Shri R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

Under the LOI, both sides will collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects, including identifying relevant stakeholders who could contribute to the effort, and work towards formalising the partnership through a memorandum of understanding on a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

India is a leading player in information technology with the potential to become a major producer and exporter of green marine fuels.

Singapore, as a key transshipment and bunkering hub, also supports a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem. The Singapore-India GDSC, when established, will enhance collaboration from both countries and help accelerate the development and uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies and the adoption of digital solutions. 

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The signing of this landmark LOI marks the bilateral

collaboration as a significant step towards modernising maritime operations and advancing green shipping efforts. The Singapore-India

Green and Digital Shipping Corridor will drive innovation, accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies, and strengthen digital integration in the sector, allowing us to move India towards realising the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modiji’s ‘Viksit Bharat’. With India’s strength in Information Technology and green fuel production, along with Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub, this partnership will set new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency in the maritime sector. We look forward to work closely to build a resilient, future ready maritime ecosystem that benefits both nations and the global maritime industry.”

Seeking the Global Dutch Expertise for revamping India’s waterways rivers like Barak and Brahmaputra, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “With their rich experience and global expertise in dredging, river engineering, we can enable our diverse and rich riverine system with effective dredging techniques, modern inland vessel technology & water management. The Netherlands’ expertise in shallow-draft push barges, modular inland vessels, & LNG-powered river transport presents a valuable opportunity for India. We are keen to adapt these technologies to enhance cargo movement in low-draft rivers like the Brahmaputra & Barak, making inland waterways more efficient, sustainable, & economically viable. We see great potential for Dutch collaboration in India’s major projects like the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) and Brahmaputra River dredging. This will help us realise the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji to empower the Northeast as the New Engine of Growth for an Atmanirbhar Bharat charting its course on becoming a Viksit country.” 

The Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also inaugurated the ‘India Pavilion’ along with Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of Singapore.

Shri Sonowal also inaugurated the IRClass Pavilion at the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW). Speaking at the India Business Roundtable, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India is rapidly emerging as a global maritime hub, driven by sustainability, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are transforming ports into clean energy-driven investment hubs, fostering shipbuilding excellence, and decarbonising shipping. With bold reforms, resilient supply chains, and global collaborations like the India-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, we invite the world to partner with us in shaping a sustainable and future-ready maritime economy.”

During the day, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also visited Singapore Cruise Centre to understand the infrastructure and facilities that has helped Singapore to become a thriving cruise tourism destination. India aims to replicate such terminals in key locations like Goa, Mumbai and Chennai to provide a fillip to the cruise tourism. Sonowal also met with key officials of Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) as well as top industry captains from maritime sector of the Netherlands.

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GDH

(Release ID: 2115049) Visitor Counter : 284

Source: Government of India

Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened till 28.2.2025 across the country

For smooth supply and product availability at JAKs, an end-to-end IT-enabled supply chain system has been established; It comprises one central warehouse at Gurugram and four regional warehouses at Bengaluru, Guwahati, Chennai and Surat

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:02PM by PIB Delhi

Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme, a total of 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened till 28.2.2025 across the country, the State- and Union-territory-wise numbers of which are at Annexure.

Lack of availability of medicines to JAKs is not a systemic issue. For smooth supply and product availability at JAKs, an end-to-end IT-enabled supply chain system has been established. It comprises one central warehouse at Gurugram and four regional warehouses at Bengaluru, Guwahati, Chennai and Surat. Further, 36 distributors have been appointed across the country to strengthen the supply chain system. Availability of 400 fast-moving products is monitored regularly to ensure their availability. Further, a minimum stocking mandate has been implemented for 200 medicines consisting of the 100 top-selling medicines in the scheme product basket and 100 fast-selling medicines in the market. Under the stocking mandate, the Jan Aushadhi Kendra owners become eligible for claiming incentive based on stocks of the said 200 medicines maintained by them. Thus, supply of medicines to JAKs is ensured through the system of warehouses and distributors and monitoring system and incentives are in place to encourage JAKs to stock the products that are more in demand. JAKs being run on an entrepreneurship model, the actual stocking of products is done by entrepreneurs based on demand for the same.

To safeguard against complaints about the quality of medicines sold from JAKs, stringent measures as specified below are in place to ensure that the medicines supplied through Jan Aushadhi Kendras meet standards:

1. Medicines are procured only from suppliers certified for World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP).

2. Each batch of drugs supplied under the scheme is tested at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and only after passing quality tests, medicines are dispatched to Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

3. Quality audit of the facilities of vendors is routinely done by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) opened till 28.2.2025

 

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

 

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(Release ID: 2114994) Visitor Counter : 154

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To improve the safety protection capabilities of the Taichung Port Technology Industrial Park (TPTIP), the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIPs) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) teamed up with the Chemicals Administration (CHA) of the Ministry of Environment to hold a joint “Muti-Hazard Emergency Response and Regional Cooperation Drill” on October 23. Representatives from the CHA, the CTSP Bureau of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Taichung City Government, and several industrial parks participated. The spirit of “collaborative cooperation” demonstrated in this drill is key to responding to large-scale disasters. Whether it’s adjusting water and electricity supply or supporting fire rescue resources, inter-agency collaboration between agencies is essential. Regular drills focusing on disaster reduction, response, and recovery are designed to ensure rapid resource integration during an actual disaster to effectively prevent escalation.
The drill simulated a scenario where a strong earthquake caused an organic solvent leak, sparking a fire inside a factory, while toxic chemicals splashed onto personnel, creating a complex disaster. In addition to simulating on-site disaster reporting, personnel evacuation and headcount, emergency response division of labor, casualty rescue, and follow-up efforts, the drill also showcased the regional joint defense capability of Taichung Port and the Technology Industrial Parks. Various public and private entities worked together to adjust the power and water supply, dispatch fire trucks, and provide emergency equipment, demonstrating efficient teamwork in controlling the disaster.
The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIPs) emphasized that the drill focuses on the response efficiency and safety practices of various rescue support units. For example, when the Taichung Harbor Fire Brigade arrived at the disaster site, factory managers immediately provided critical rescue information, including the types, quantities, and locations of chemicals in the factory, and assigned personnel to assist. Additionally, a firefighting robot was also sent to the fire scene for extinguishing operations, reducing the need for rescue personnel to enter high-risk areas and thereby lowering rescue risk. Furthermore, the Central Taiwan technical team sent dispatched response vehicles and personnel to monitor chemical concentrations at the accident site, ensuring that rescue efforts were properly contained and that the disaster’s impact was minimized.
This drill has once again enhanced the safety protection capabilities of the Taichung Port Technology Industrial Park, and has also strengthened the independent emergency response capabilities of companies within the park when facing complex disasters. In the future, the BIP will continue to deepen collaboration with various units, aiming to optimize the park’s joint defense and emergency response mechanism through more disaster drills to ensure that companies within the park can effectively protect personnel safety and minimize economic losses during major disasters.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Liu, Chun-chuan (Environmental Safety and Labor Section, Taichung Branch)
Contact Number: 886-4-2658-1215 ext 641
Email: chunchuan@bip.gov.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To ensure prompt grid connection of wind farms and adequate supply of green electricity, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held a symposium on September 23rd, with offshore wind farm developers to discuss issues encountered in achieving timely grid connection. Industry representatives raised topics such as follow-up actions for the Industrial Relevance Policy, geological survey regulations, and state-owned banks’ participation in financing.

The MOEA stated that it is currently in consultation with the EU under the WTO framework. Adhering to the principle of mutual trust, the consultation results need to be kept confidential, thus no detailed information can be disclosed at the moment. Nonetheless, the atmosphere of the consultations is positive, with efforts being made towards settling, and the MOEA is planning to loosen up the Industrial Relevance Policy. The MOEA explained that as long as the wind farms are completed on time and connected to the grid in compliance with public interest and relevant laws, the administrative departments will assist developers in overcoming related obstacles. Regarding the Industrial Relevance Policy involving force majeure or unattributable reasons, the Industrial Development Administration of the MOEA will follow general principles and adopt a case-by-case review approach, aiming to complete relevant reference models by the end of September to help developers complete wind farm installations on schedule.

In response to the industry’s proposal for state-owned banks to participate in the offshore wind farm financing, the MOEA also mentioned that it had arranged for representatives from the National Development Council, the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Supervisory Commission, and state-owned banks, to visit offshore wind farms by the end of September, where they exchanged views on offshore wind farm financing issues, provided practical experience to banking industry representatives, and establish trust for the fiance of offshore wind farms, thereby creating a healthy financing environment.

The MOEA emphasized that domestic corporate users have a significant and competitive demand for green electricity for exports (such as RE100) and that advanced manufacturing processes require higher proportions of green energy. Increasing the proportion of green electricity in Taiwan’s manufacturing by 2030 has become a priority. The MOEA will continue cooperating with offshore wind power developers to provide sufficient green electricity and enhance the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s industries.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Deputy Director General, Chun-Li Lee
Phone: 02-2775-7700, 0936-250-838
Email: chunlee@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Director, Chung-Hsien Chen
Phone: 02-2775-7770, 0919-998-339
Email: ctchen2@moeaea.gov.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The 2024 Taiwan Fashion Design Award (TFDA) concluded its grand final and awards ceremony on October 16 at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, attracting over 600 guests from the fashion industry, government, and academia. Since 2013 TFDA becoming an international competition , the TFDA has constantly attracted more emerging fashion talents from the four corner of the world. This year, Nattawika Boonard from Thailand won the First Prize with her designed Haute Couture , “Mysteries of the Garden of Eden,” which magically braided fashion style and market potential while promoting sustainability. Her work was selected from over 543 entries representing 23 countries, fetching her a cash prize of USD 10,000. The second prizes were awarded to Wsng, Yeh-Kin and Lu, Tong-Ping, each winner receiving USD 5000 for their respective collections”CRACK” and Reptilians “Additionally, special award for Best Use of Fabrics, Best Pattern Making , and Best Market Potential went to Kuo, Chien-Hsin, Vhang Shu-Wei, and Chen, Hsuan-Yu. Each awardee receiving USD 3000.

The esteemed panel of judges included Tomonori Matsui, founder of One-O Fashion PR, veteran designer Dai Fujiwara, Stephane Dou, Creative Director of DOUCHANGLEE, Stephanie Kuo, Fashion Director at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Ellen Yang, Publisher and COO of Hearst Taiwan, Jane Singer, Managing Director of Inside Fashion, and Charlotte Chiang, Director of the Taiwan Textile Federation. They highlighted the contestants’ creativity and innovation, noting that many collections integrated cultural elements such as mythology and blue-and-white porcelain. The application of sustainable materials like surplus inventory, recycled cardboard, and paper mache, processed with natural dyes, added an eco-friendly dimension to the designs.

The Industrial Development Administration has actively supported the TFDA, partnering with the Taiwan Textile Federation and international companies to boost the global visibility of Taiwan’s fashion industry. This year’s competition was generously sponsored by Lealea Enterprise Co., Ltd., Li Peng Enterprise Co., Ltd., Coddy Global Ltd., New Wide Enterprise Co., Ltd., New Wide Garment Co., Ltd., and the Fortune Industrial and Commercial Development Foundation, with a total prize pool of USD 35,000. We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Culture for providing a platform during Taipei Fashion Week to support the TFDA.

In response to the 2030 Global Apparel Supply Chain Carbon Emission Reduction Initiative proposed by the Textile Exchange (TE), the global renowned sports and outdoor leisure apparel brands Adidas and Nike have requested 30% of sector emission reduction in their supply chains management. Strengthening carbon emission reduction is an issue of vital importance for the textile and apparel industry. Having accelerated the low-carbon transformation of textile and apparel industry, the Industrial Development Administration (IDA) launches the activities of reducing carbon emissions programs and promotes the net zero emission in the textile and apparel industry, helps the industry to build up the awareness and take carbon reduction actions. The IDA constantly evaluates and analyzes the carbon emissions of factories in compliance of the global trend and goal. In addition, In the application of the practical technology, the enterprises also build up a stronger sense of taking necessary actions to reduce carbon emission.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

November 8, 2024 – Premier Cho Jung-tai visited the Taichung Power Plant today to conduct an inspection. During the visit, Taipower representatives formally presented the plant’s coal reduction plan, which will be set in motion after the plant’s phase II gas-fired units are brought online. As explained to the Premier and local representatives in attendance: After the first gas-fired unit of the phase II gas-fired project is brought online in 2032, the power supply will be abundant, allowing Taipower to significantly expand its coal reduction efforts. Starting from 2032, coal usage is projected to decrease by at least 3 million tons annually. In line with the Premier’s directive, the plant aims to achieve a complete phase-out of coal by the end of 2034 at the latest. In response to the Premier’s directive to accelerate the gas-fired project, Taipower will make every effort to expedite construction and complete the task diligently. The Company hopes that all levels of government will provide assistance to achieve the goal of replacing coal with gas at Taichung Power Plant as soon as possible.

During today’s inspection of the Taichung Power Plant, Premier Cho formally issued three directives:
1. Taipower must accelerate its efforts to achieve the goal of making the Taichung Power Plant coal-free by the end of 2034.
2. Emergency backup units should remain non-operational under normal circumstances, with periodic testing limiting coal usage to less than 1% of current levels (below 100,000 tons).
3. Currently, six emergency backup coal-fired units are planned to be retained. Taipower is instructed to reassess the number of backup units needed in the year following the commissioning of gas-fired unit 3 (the first unit of the phase II gas-fired project) in 2032, based on the situation at that time.

Taichung Power Plant is currently advancing its phase I gas-fired unit project. According to the original plan, four coal-fired units would be converted to emergency backup status once the gas-fired units became operational. However, through coordination between former Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-Hua and the Taichung City Government, the plan was adjusted to dismantle two coal-fired units and convert the other two to backup status. Taipower representatives emphasized that this commitment remains unchanged.

The adjusted timeline is as follows:
1. Phase I gas-fired project schedule
2025: The first gas-fired unit becomes operational.
2026: The second gas-fired unit becomes operational. By the end of the same year, coal-fired units 1 and 2 will be dismantled, and coal-fired units 3 and 4 will be decommissioned and converted into backup units.
2. Phase II gas-fired project schedule
2031: The first gas-fired unit becomes operational, and coal-fired units 3 and 4 will be dismantled in the same year.
2032: The second gas-fired unit becomes operational, and by the end of the year, coal-fired units 5 and 6 will be decommissioned and converted into emergency backup units.
2033: The third gas-fired unit becomes operational, and by the end of the year, coal-fired units 7 and 8 will be decommissioned and converted into emergency backup units.
2034: The fourth gas-fired unit becomes operational, and by the end of the year, coal-fired units 9 and 10 will be decommissioned and converted into emergency backup units.

However, after hearing the opinions of local residents in central Taiwan, the Premier directed that the number of emergency backup units be reviewed in 2032, following the commissioning of the first gas-fired unit under phase II of the project in 2031. Taipower representatives stated that at that time, the Company will comprehensively consider factors such as geopolitical conditions, the impact of climate change, and Taiwan’s overall electricity demand growth to evaluate the feasibility of adjusting the number of backup units. In other words, the maximum number of backup units at that time will remain at six. If a reduction in the number of units is deemed feasible, Taipower will follow the necessary procedures to submit a proposal to the Ministry of Environment to adjust the number of backup units.

A Taipower representative pointed out that during the Company’s previous environmental impact assessment (EIA), it was proposed that each emergency backup unit would not operate for more than 720 hours per year, which is the maximum allowed in accordance with environmental regulations. EIA reviews often require developers to consider a “worst-case scenario” to set a permissible limit. However, in practical operations, the “worst-case scenario” represents an unforeseen event and should not be treated as the norm.

As for the activation of emergency backup units, Taipower representatives emphasized that the decommissioned backup units will remain non-operational under normal circumstances and will only be activated during national security incidents or natural disasters. To avoid being unprepared during critical moments, retaining six coal-fired units as emergency backup units is a risk management strategy that provides maximum security at minimal cost. However, to ensure readiness for emergencies, the coal-fired units will require periodic test operations. It is estimated that the coal consumption for testing six units will not exceed 100,000 tons annually, which is less than 1% of the current coal usage. Moreover, the activation of backup units will be reported to the Taichung City Government, and the air pollution continuous monitoring system will be connected to the Taichung Environmental Protection Bureau.

Over the past decade, the Taichung Power Plant has continuously implemented measures to reduce coal usage and pollution. Significant progress is already evident: During the first phase (starting in 2014), the plant achieved a self-imposed coal reduction of 6 million tons through environmental dispatch of units, and it launched the Air Quality Control System (AQCS) Improvement Project, resulting in a 70% emissions reduction. It is anticipated that after the gas-fired units are completed and brought online during the second phase (phase I gas-fired project) and third phase (phase II gas-fired project), the transition from coal to gas will reduce air pollutant emissions by nearly 90%. Under normal conditions, coal-fired units will remain non-operational and will no longer be responsible for the power supply, ultimately reducing coal consumption for electricity generation to zero.

Taipower representatives emphasized that electricity infrastructure serves the entire nation, and every power plant is a critical energy source for Taiwan. Narrowly focusing on coal reduction at a specific power plant within a single county or city creates a risk of overlooking the broader question of where to add power sources to achieve the goal of maintaining the national electricity supply. Balancing stable power supply with environmental friendliness is undoubtedly a challenging task, and at times, even a difficult dilemma. Taipower bears the responsibility of ensuring a stable power supply while also understanding the public’s expectations for improved air quality and environmental conditions. As demands for better air pollution control and reduced emissions continue to rise, the Company is committed to the philosophy of “always striving for better”. Despite the challenges, Taipower will persevere and continue its efforts. The Company hopes for greater understanding from all sectors of society regarding its difficulties and support for its electricity infrastructure development initiatives as well as its efforts to balance supply stability with environmental protection.

Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0958-749-333
E-mail: u910707@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Director of Environmental Protection Department Wu Cheng-Hung
Phone: (02) 2366-7200; 0927-291-156
E-mail: u015279@taipower.com.tw