Voltage in Taiwan

The electricity network in Taiwan is managed primarily by the Taiwan Power Company (Taipower), a state-owned enterprise responsible for generation, transmission, and distribution. As of 2021, Taiwan’s total installed generating capacity includes a mix of thermal power plants (coal, natural gas, and oil), nuclear power, and a growing proportion of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Generation Capacity

• Thermal Power: Delivers approximately 70% of total capacity, with coal and natural gas being the primary fuels.
• Nuclear Power: Accounts for around 12% of total capacity.
• Renewable Energy: This constitutes about 18% of total capacity, with significant solar and wind energy project investments.

Transmission and Distribution

Taiwan’s transmission and distribution infrastructure spans the island, connecting power plants to consumers. The grid is characterized by high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and distribution networks that deliver electricity to industrial, commercial, and residential users.

Reliability of the Electricity Supply

Current Status

Taiwan’s electricity supply is generally reliable, particularly in urban centres and industrial hubs. However, the island faces several challenges that have been proven to affect reliability.

• Ageing Infrastructure: Much of the existing power infrastructure is outdated and requires modernization to meet increasing demand and improve efficiency.
• Natural Disasters: Taiwan is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and heavy rainfall, which can disrupt the electricity supply and damage infrastructure.
• Supply and Demand Management: Balancing supply and demand is challenging, especially during peak periods like the hot summer months when air conditioning usage surges.
• Nuclear Energy Controversy: Public and political debates over the use of nuclear power have led to uncertainties in the energy supply strategy, affecting grid stability.

Outage Management and Response

Taipower has implemented advanced technologies and protocols to manage outages efficiently. Smart grid technologies, automated response systems, and real-time monitoring help minimize the duration and impact of power disruptions.

Strategic Initiatives for Improvement 

To address the challenges and enhance the reliability of the electricity supply network, Taiwan has embarked on several strategic initiatives:

• Infrastructure Upgrades: Significant investments are being made to upgrade ageing power plants, expand transmission capacity, and modernize the distribution network. These upgrades aim to improve the overall efficiency and reliability of the electricity supply.
• Renewable Energy Expansion: Taiwan is committed to increasing the share of renewable energy in its power mix. The government has set a target of achieving 20% renewable energy by 2025, with substantial investments in solar and wind projects. These efforts should diversify the energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Smart Grid Development: Taipower is expanding its smart grid infrastructure, incorporating advanced metering, grid automation, and demand response technologies. These innovations help optimize grid operations, reduce losses, and integrate renewable energy sources more effectively.
• Energy Storage Solutions: Taiwan is investing in energy storage systems to address the intermittent nature of renewable energy, including large-scale battery storage and pumped hydro storage. These solutions enhance grid stability and ensure a reliable power supply during high-demand or low-renewable energy generation periods.

Conclusion

Taiwan’s electricity supply network is undergoing significant transformations to improve its reliability and sustainability. While the current system is generally reliable, ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure, diversify energy sources, and incorporate advanced technologies are crucial for meeting future energy demands. These initiatives will hopefully support Taiwan’s economic growth, industrial output, and quality of life for its citizens, ensuring a stable and efficient electricity supply network for years to come.