China National Fire will dismantle coal-fired units 1 and 2. (provided by the city)
The Ministry of Economic Affairs held a review meeting on the demolition permit case for the special buildings of Taichung Power Plant No. 1 and Coal-fired Unit 2 today. The Taichung City Metropolitan Development Bureau attended the meeting and stressed that the city government's position has always been consistent, which is to "administer in accordance with the law, respect the central authority and responsibilities, dismantle the buildings as soon as possible, and ensure construction safety."
Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yan also emphasized that Zhonghuo is indeed the largest source of air pollution in Taichung City and the central region. For the past eight years, she has insisted that for every gas-fired unit added, one coal-fired unit must be dismantled. Since two gas-fired units are ready, two coal-fired units must be dismantled. Gas units have twice the power generation of coal-fired units. "Add one and remove one" will more than double the country's power generation. However, air pollution can be reduced even more, taking into account the country's power development and protecting people's health. This goes hand in hand.
The Metropolitan Development Bureau pointed out that the No. 1 and 2 coal-fired units of Zhonghuo are special buildings. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the "Construction Law" and the "Ministry of Economic Affairs' Principles for Handling Special Building Applications," the demolition permit is handled by the central competent authority in accordance with regulations. This is different from the procedures for general buildings to apply for demolition licenses from local competent construction authorities. There is a clear division of powers and responsibilities between the central and local governments. The city government respects the central government's review in accordance with the law. After the demolition is completed, the applicant will apply to the local competent construction authority for review. The city government will cooperate with the follow-up procedures in accordance with the rights and responsibilities of the local competent authority.
The Metropolitan Development Bureau pointed out that the demolition of the Zhonghuo coal-fired unit involves citizens' concerns about air quality, public safety and living environment. The city government expects the central government's follow-up procedures to be completed as soon as possible. Taipower should also actively promote the procedures in accordance with the procedures so that the No. 1 and 2 coal-fired units can be dismantled as soon as possible. In the future, after the central government completes the relevant permit procedures, the city government will cooperate in handling the matter according to its powers and responsibilities, and continue to pay attention to the safety of the demolition construction and the impact on the surrounding environment.
The Metropolitan Development Bureau pointed out that while the city government requires that demolition be accelerated, construction safety and surrounding environmental maintenance cannot be compromised, and efforts will be made to safeguard citizens' living environment and public safety.
