Power supply remains consistent, according to Taipower's statements.
Taiwan Power Company Faces Power Reserve Challenges Amidst Hot Weather and Potential Typhoons
Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) has been experiencing a drop in power reserves, triggering warnings and the activation of standby units at its power plants. According to a statement made by Taipower today, the power deficit of 2,900 megawatts was caused by problems at the Hsinta Power Plant in Kaohsiung and the Linkou Power Plant in New Taipei City.
The Hsinta Power Plant's new natural gas unit has been shut down since September 11 due to a fire caused by a gas leak. The Linkou Power Plant's Unit 2 went offline on Monday due to a system malfunction, followed by Unit 1 going offline on Tuesday due to a pipe leak.
The drop in power reserves was due to increased electricity usage over several consecutive hot days in northern Taiwan and solar power output falling in southern Taiwan due to overcast skies and rainy weather in the afternoon.
Taipower activated all five of its standby units at its two power plants in Kaohsiung to maintain an adequate reserve level during nighttime peak hours. Four old coal-powered generators at the Hsinta Power Plant and one gas-powered unit at the Talin Power Plant were activated for this purpose.
The power reserves in the morning of the previous day dropped to 9.06 percent, triggering a 'yellow light' warning. However, the reserve margin of power in Taiwan recovered to more than 6 percent last night at 8pm, indicating a stable power supply.
A power reserve below 6 percent prompts an 'orange light' warning, likely resulting in power rationing. A power reserve of more than 10 percent is considered 'safe,' while a reserve of 6 to 10 percent triggers a 'yellow light' warning.
No information was provided about the current status of Taipower's hydroelectric resources or the activation of standby units at its power plants in Kaohsiung. Similarly, no information was given about the expected significant rainfall from the two potential typhoons and whether Taipower is leveraging them.
Taipower employed Siemens and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the activation of reserve power plants in Kaohsiung and Talin during the period of low reserve margins. The overall power supply in Taiwan remains stable, according to Taipower.
The announcement was accompanied by a photo from the Taipei Times. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Taipower in maintaining a stable power supply, especially during periods of high demand and mechanical failures.
