Wind Turbine Fire in Yunlin's Mailiao Prompts Nationwide Inspection by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs

(Central News Agency, reporter Lin Jing-yin, Taipei, June 3) In response to a fire at a Taipower wind turbine in Mailiao, Yunlin County on May 31, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Lai Chien-hsin stated today that Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin has ordered a comprehensive inspection of all aging units, and work has already begun. Taipower is required to complete inspections of all 76 turbines of the same model within one month. Regarding improvement measures, the Energy Administration has been instructed to propose a plan within three months based on the inspection results, covering maintenance management and operational requirements.

The Legislative Yuan's Economics Committee reviewed draft amendments to the Soil and Stone Extraction Act and other bills this morning.

Taipower's Mailiao Wind Farm Unit No. 17 caught fire around noon on May 31, and the cause is still under investigation. During a question-and-answer session, Legislator Yang Chiung-ying (Kuomintang) criticized the government for only highlighting the achievements of renewable energy capacity additions, such as wind and solar power, without informing the public about the maintenance and service life of the equipment. She questioned whether there are policies regarding the aging cycle, maintenance mechanisms, replacement, and safety management of energy equipment following this incident.

Deputy Minister Lai stated that the comprehensive inspection of aging units is already underway as instructed by Minister Kung. Taipower has been asked to complete the inspection of all 76 units of the same model within one month. For improvement measures, the Energy Administration will propose a plan within three months based on the inspection results, including aspects of maintenance management and operational requirements.

Legislator Yang noted that the government has been telling the public that domestic energy supply is "sufficient and prices are stable." Deputy Minister Lai confirmed this is the current goal and achievement, adding that the ministry has secured relevant cases for natural gas and oil, including for the winter season. He cited the price of 95 unleaded gasoline as an example: NT$33.9 per liter in Taiwan with CPC Corporation's help, compared to S$85.1 in Singapore and KRW 50.8 in South Korea.

However, Legislator Yang questioned whether the recent 5% increase in industrial electricity prices would lead to end-user inflation and increased industrial costs, undermining the claim of "sufficient supply and stable prices."

Deputy Minister Lai answered "no" three times, explaining that the price increase was for industrial natural gas, and that the gap between the selling price of industrial electricity and its cost is very large. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150603