Large-scale photovoltaic systems is to be set in Fenglin. The Center discusses related research with local residents.

Updated: Aug 3

Date: 2023.03.04

Site: Fenglin Town

On March 4, 2023, the Center held a ground-based photovoltaic discussion in Fenglin Township to explain to local residents the research content and methods the Center is conducting on the local socio-economic and ecological environment in response to potential future ground-based photovoltaic field planning. Nearly 30 residents present actively expressed their views on photovoltaic fields and their suggestions for the Center's research work.

In recent years, national policies have actively promoted renewable energy. Fenglin Township in Hualien County, with its extensive artificial forests and significant amounts of state-owned and privately owned land, has become a location of interest to the government and many photovoltaic manufacturers. According to government data, nearly 1,000 hectares of ground-based photovoltaic sites have been proposed in Fenglin. While not all of these sites will be successfully established, the large-scale photovoltaic sites are certainly causing concern among local residents. Because there is currently little research in Taiwan to assess the impact of ground-based photovoltaic power on socioeconomic and environmental ecology, and to serve as a basis for public policy and social discussion, this center, with support from the National Science and Technology Council's academic research program, began a three-year investigation and research project in August 2022. The research project includes surveys of ecological environments such as flora, fauna, nectar plants, soil, microclimate, and carbon and water fluxes, as well as community acceptance and preferences for ground-based photovoltaic power, and the socioeconomic impacts of photovoltaic power plants before and after their installation. The results will serve as a basis for national and local public policy formulation and social discussion. While respecting local wishes, the center will assist in promoting the establishment of discussion platforms or local governance mechanisms to promote better local renewable energy governance and sustainable development in Fenglin.

The promotion of renewable energy in Taiwan currently lacks a mechanism for discussion and deliberation with the local public. Information disclosure channels and content remain severely inadequate. There is a need to provide local residents with sufficient information and enable them to participate in decision-making, planning, maintenance, and oversight processes. As an academic research institution, the Center aims to incorporate diverse local perspectives into the research design and implementation process, playing a role in providing information. Therefore, during the initial phase of the research, the first local discussion meeting was held on March 4, 2023, to explain the research content and methods to local residents and solicit feedback from all sectors. Nearly 30 community residents participated in the discussion. In addition to reiterating their concerns and objections to ground-based photovoltaic installations, they also expressed their needs and expectations, such as:

Requests for information on the planned area and location of the photovoltaic field.
Avoiding installation in the core area of Fenglin.
Accelerating the research schedule.
Promoting environmental impact assessment mechanisms.
Strengthening protected species monitoring.
Understanding the impact on the tourism industry.
Improving planning and installation processes.
The scope and role of Indigenous peoples' right of consultation and consent.
Implementing oversight mechanisms.

In the future, the Center will continue to hold discussions with local residents and regularly publish research findings to implement the spirit of public participation and information disclosure and promote better renewable energy governance.

Director I-Fang Sun of our center introduced the center and the research contents of Fenglin Town's ground photovoltaic survey to the residents present.