Kaohsiung city, famous 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.[1]
Solar power plant
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.
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.
The solar power plant type is high-concentration photovoltaic solar (HCPV) power plant. 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: Taipei Times/China Post
- Ref http://www.power-technology.com/projects/kaohsiungsolarpower/specs.html
- Ref: http://www.power-technology.com/projects/kaohsiungsolarpower/
Solar-powered 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 in the world. The stadium could potentially generate 1.14 kWh electricity and reduce about 660 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
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 the electricity. While during non-game days, the stadium is able to store extra energy that can later be sold to the surrounding neighborhood.
