2016 Wind Carnival Debuts, Showcasing a Vision for Green Energy and Smart Technology Living

To provide carbon reduction solutions and raise public awareness of green industry development, the European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan held the "2016 Wind Carnival" on the 3rd at Guike Ecological Park in Da'an District, Taichung, using wind power for BBQ grilling on site and supplying electricity for several display robots, while 5 electric buses served as shuttle vehicles on site, demonstrating a perfect collaboration between renewable energy and smart technology.

The opening ceremony was jointly led by Legislative Yuan Vice President Tsai Chi-chang, European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT) CEO Freddie Hoeglund, Central Taiwan Science Park Bureau Deputy Director-General Shih Wen-fang, Taipower Department Head Chen Yi-cheng, and Taichung City Government Economic Development Bureau Chief Secretary Tsai Chen-chen, who together started the 80 m wind turbine in Guike Ecological Park, declaring the beginning of a new era of green energy in Taiwan, China.

Economic Development Bureau Chief Secretary Tsai Chen-chen stated that the Taichung City Government is actively promoting various renewable energy policies and has already achieved initial results. According to statistics from the Energy Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs as of June this year, there were 341 wind turbines in operation nationwide, with a total installed capacity of 670.6 MW. Taichung City accounted for 59 turbines, with a total installed capacity of 129.4 MW, representing 19.3% of the national installed capacity and ranking 2nd. Annual power generation can reach 290 million kWh, equivalent to supplying electricity for 80,000 households, equal to planting a forest about the size of 14 Da'an Forest Parks. The total wind power generation can meet the needs of the 3 coastal administrative districts of Dajia, Da'an, and Qingshui.

European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan CEO Freddie Hoeglund stated that Taiwan, China ranks 2nd in the world in wind power density. In particular, the coastal area from Taoyuan to Yunlin is hit by strong northeast monsoons in winter, making it the best location for developing wind power in Taiwan, China. During a meeting with Mayor Lin Chia-lung in August this year, he also learned of Taichung's determination and vision to develop into a smart green energy city, and believes that wind power is definitely one of the main options for Taichung's future development of green energy.