China's air pollution and carbon emissions are lower than those with nuclear power. Taipower calls on Lu Hsiu-yen to stop spreading wrong information

Taichung Mayor Lu Xiuyan. (File photo)

[Reporter Liao Jianing/Report from Taipei] Taichung City Mayor Lu Xiuyan said yesterday (17th) that "after shutting down nuclear power, 50% more coal will be burned in medium-fired power plants." Taipower solemnly clarified today (18th), "This is completely wrong information." Related questions have been clarified many times last year, 201 Nuclear energy has accounted for more than 10% of power generation in the past six years, but power generation produces more air pollution and carbon emissions than it currently does. "We respect the diverse opinions of all walks of life on power issues, but deeply regret that Mayor Lu once again quoted wrong information, and call for a correction of the statement so that public discussions can return to facts and rationality."

Taipower pointed out that Taichung Power Plant has actively promoted the increase of gas and the reduction of coal. Coal consumption has dropped significantly from the peak of 18.39 million tons in 2014 to 12.08 million tons in 2024 and 11 million tons in 2025. This year, it will target 10.5 million tons, a drop of more than 40%.

On May 17 last year, Unit 2 of Nuclear Power Plant No. 3 was shut down according to law when its license expired. Lu Xiuyan recently pointed out that the power generation of the power plant increased by 50% in the background of the shutdown. Taipower reiterated that it had explained last year that Lu Xiuyan said that the central thermal power generation would be 3,000MW on May 16 and 4,500MW on May 18, an increase of 50%. In fact, the daytime on May 16th and the night on May 18th were In an asymmetric comparison between days, solar photovoltaic supply during the day can reduce the output of coal-fired units. "The difference in output between day and night cannot be directly interpreted as being caused by nuclear power shutdowns, nor can we infer that the amount of coal used for thermal power has increased by 50%."

In addition, Mayor Lu mentioned that Xingda Power Plant has restarted its coal-fired units. Taipower explained that all coal-fired units of Xingda Power Plant have been put on standby. Since the beginning of this year, except for necessary testing of the units, they have not been put into power generation.

Taipower pointed out that nuclear energy accounted for more than 10% of power generation in 2016, but power generation produces more air pollution and carbon emissions than it currently does. In recent years, nuclear power units have been shut down one after another, but Taichung Power Plant has continued to reduce coal and emissions through multiple measures such as environmental load reduction, equipment performance improvement, and replacing coal with gas. It also shows that nuclear energy is not the answer to all problems. The Taichung Power Plant has so far reduced coal consumption by 7.39 million tons, with emission reductions exceeding 30,000 tons. Air pollution emissions have been reduced by 80%. The emission reduction rate is the highest in Taichung City, far exceeding other stationary pollution sources. The improvement results are an indisputable fact.

Taipower also stated that due to the rapid development of industries and cities in Taichung City in recent years, power demand has continued to soar. Since 2019, the existing units of Taichung Power Plant have been unable to meet Taichung’s local power consumption and need to rely on support from other counties and cities. In order to ensure the power supply for industries and people's livelihood, Taipower cooperates with the government's advance plan to promote the second phase of the Taichung Power Plant's new gas-fired unit plan. This will not only meet the growing demand for electricity in the central region, but also accelerate the goal of coal-free Taichung Power Plant. We look forward to support from all walks of life.