Economic Minister Calls for Inspection of Aging Wind Turbines Following Mailiao Fire
Following a fire at a Taipower wind turbine in Mailiao, Economic Minister Kung Ming-hsin has ordered a comprehensive inspection of similar aging units across all energy companies.
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- 📰 Published: June 1, 2026 at 13:54
- 🔍 Collected: June 1, 2026 at 14:04 (10 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 1, 2026 at 14:11 (6 min after Collected)
Central News Agency, Yunlin, June 1. A wind turbine operated by Taipower in Mailiao, Yunlin County, caught fire yesterday. Economic Minister Kung Ming-hsin said today that he has ordered all power companies to strengthen equipment operation management and inspection procedures for similar types of wind turbines that have reached a certain service life.
Taipower's Mailiao wind farm unit 17 suddenly caught fire around 12:00 PM yesterday. Yunlin County firefighters immediately rushed to the scene. Taipower stated yesterday that the fire was suspected to be caused by overheating of parts. Upon receiving the report, they immediately dispatched personnel to investigate and shut down related electrical equipment. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Kung Ming-hsin attended a Legislative Yuan Economic Committee inspection of 'Yunlin County Economic Construction' today. When asked by reporters how to strengthen management and promote relevant regulations given the high number of wind turbines in western Taiwan, and how to respond to rescue operations as temperatures rise, Kung responded.
Kung stated that the turbine involved in yesterday's accident had been in operation for 15 years. Therefore, the Energy Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs has required Taipower to inspect all wind turbines of the same type that have been in operation for a certain period, hoping to prevent similar situations from recurring.
Kung pointed out that after yesterday's incident, many legislators suggested considering new firefighting tools and technologies for handling turbine fires. The Ministry of Economic Affairs will discuss high-altitude firefighting rescue facilities with the National Fire Agency.
When asked if there are plans to incorporate high-altitude crisis response into policy, Kung said that in addition to Taipower, the Energy Administration will also require other energy companies to inspect all wind turbines of the same type that have reached a certain service life.
Taipower's Mailiao wind farm unit 17 suddenly caught fire around 12:00 PM yesterday. Yunlin County firefighters immediately rushed to the scene. Taipower stated yesterday that the fire was suspected to be caused by overheating of parts. Upon receiving the report, they immediately dispatched personnel to investigate and shut down related electrical equipment. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Kung Ming-hsin attended a Legislative Yuan Economic Committee inspection of 'Yunlin County Economic Construction' today. When asked by reporters how to strengthen management and promote relevant regulations given the high number of wind turbines in western Taiwan, and how to respond to rescue operations as temperatures rise, Kung responded.
Kung stated that the turbine involved in yesterday's accident had been in operation for 15 years. Therefore, the Energy Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs has required Taipower to inspect all wind turbines of the same type that have been in operation for a certain period, hoping to prevent similar situations from recurring.
Kung pointed out that after yesterday's incident, many legislators suggested considering new firefighting tools and technologies for handling turbine fires. The Ministry of Economic Affairs will discuss high-altitude firefighting rescue facilities with the National Fire Agency.
When asked if there are plans to incorporate high-altitude crisis response into policy, Kung said that in addition to Taipower, the Energy Administration will also require other energy companies to inspect all wind turbines of the same type that have reached a certain service life.
FAQ
Where did the wind turbine fire occur in Taiwan?
It occurred in Mailiao, Yunlin County.