Editing Solar power in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

[[File:KC1.jpg|thumb|frame|right|Love River in Kaohsiung]]

{{Location data
| location = Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| coordinates = 23° 14' 54.88" N, 120° 42' 7.79" E
}}

[[Kaohsiung City]], well-known for its sunny weather and water resources, is located in southern [[Taiwan]]. Over the years, Kaohsiung Mayor Chu Chen and former Kaohsiung County Commissioner Chiu-Hsing Yang were pushing to make Kaohsiung a more environmentally friendly and [[sustainable city]].<ref>http://kcg.gov.tw/</ref>

== Solar power plant ==

A [[Solar power]] plant is a kind of solar power system that is fueled by [[solar energy]], radiant light and heat from the sun. A solar power plant absorbs sun rays and converts them into [[electricity]].

[[File:Kaohsiungsolar.jpg|thumb|frame|right|Asia's biggest solar power plant was unveiled in Lujhu Township]]

In December 2009, Taiwan unveiled Asia's biggest solar power plant in Lujhu Township, [[Kaohsiung City]]. The plant has 141 panels that are expected to produce 1 megawatt (MW) of energy. Officials said that 1 MW is enough to power 1,000 homes, and the power plant would ultimately cut 660 to 700 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.<ref>http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/12/23/2003461622
</ref>

The solar power plant type is a high-concentration photovoltaic solar (HCPV) power plant. The estimated investment put in this project is $8.34 million. The constructor of this project is Institute of Nuclear Energy Research. The power plant became fully operational beginning February of 2010.<ref>http://www.power-technology.com/projects/kaohsiungsolarpower</ref>

== Solar-powered stadium ==

[[File:Stadium.jpg|thumb|frame|right|Kaohsiung National Stadium]]

In 2009, Kaohsiung National Stadium, or The World Games Stadium, was completed for The World Games 2009.

Designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, the stadium's roof is covered by 8,844 solar panels. The stadium is the world's largest solar-powered stadium. The stadium could potentially generate 1.14 kWh of [[electricity]] per hour and reduce about 660 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20120521220608/http://www.worldgames2009.tw/wg2009/eng/Venues_connect2.php</ref>

Moreover, any new materials used to build the main stadium are 100% reusable and all made in Taiwan. During sports games, the stadium is able to provide [[electricity]]. While during non-game days, the stadium is able to store extra energy that can later be sold to the surrounding neighborhood.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20120521220608/http://www.worldgames2009.tw/wg2009/eng/Venues_connect2.php</ref>

{{Video|DELAr95Zan0}}

== Solar-powered tourist boats ==

[[File:Loveboat.jpg|thumb|frame|left|Solar-Powered Love Boat]]

Beginning February 2010, Kaohsiung City Government started to replace diesel-powered tourist boats with solar-powered tourist boats. These eco-friendly boats are fueled by 18 solar power panels that supply power to 6 lithium batteries. These boats are emission-free and do not produce the smell of diesel and noise.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20141019101501/http://kcs.kcg.gov.tw:80/new_kcb/solar-boat_en.php</ref>

== Solar energy usage in typical households ==

[[File:Solarheater.jpg|thumb|frame|right|Solar-powered heater]]

Starting September 1st of 2008, Kaohsiung City Government started to offer subsidies for households that decide to install new solar-powered heaters. Since the start of the policy to April 2nd of 2010, 8,736 households have switched from gas water heaters to solar-powered heaters. The policy proved to be effective while the government estimated that 1,400 tonnes of gas were saved, and 5,143 tonnes of carbon emissions were reduced.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20100612033543/http://www.ksepb.gov.tw:80/dispatch/contents.aspx?id=20100402134154003870</ref>

== References ==

<references />

{{Page data
}}

[[Category:JMC330 International Mass Communication]]
[[Category:Energy]]
[[Category:Solar energy]]
[[Category:Taiwan]]
[[Category:Sustainable cities]]
[[Category:Energy videos]]
[[Category:Solar videos]]