MOEA: Dispatching Mailiao Power Plant to Reduce Coal at Zhonghuo, Unable to Understand Lu Shiow-yen's Rejection
The Ministry of Economic Affairs plans to temporarily dispatch the Mailiao power plant for three months starting in May to reduce coal usage at the Taichung power plant due to Middle East tensions. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen criticized this as a flawed energy policy. The MOEA clarified it's a short-term measure to enhance national resilience.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 17, 2026 at 18:39
- 🔍 Collected: April 17, 2026 at 19:01 (22 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 19:09 (7 min after Collected)
In response to Middle East tensions, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) plans to temporarily dispatch the Mailiao power plant's coal-fired units for three months starting in May. MOEA Minister Gong Ming-hsin stated in the Legislative Yuan that this dispatch will lead to reduced coal consumption at the Taichung power plant, while maintaining the total annual coal usage at last year's level. However, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen criticized this as an erroneous energy policy, leading to increased coal burning and urging the government to adopt a more appropriate policy. The MOEA expressed regret over the mayor's reaction, emphasizing the temporary nature of the dispatch and its purpose to bolster national resilience and flexibility. They reiterated that they would reduce coal burning at the Taichung power plant as circumstances permit, ensuring the total annual volume does not exceed last year's.