TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Environmental Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) expressed serious reservations Monday (April 14) about the viability of onshore wind energy development across densely populated areas. The minister noted that areas within 500 meters of turbines become essentially uninhabitable for both humans and wildlife due to persistent noise pollution and disruptive shadow flicker effects, creating substantial zoning challenges in Taiwan's limited usable terrain.
A controversial proposal to install 58 wind turbines along Taiwan's picturesque Taitung coastline has ignited fierce resistance from local communities. Officials at the East Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters (東部海岸國家風景區管理處), which manages this popular tourist destination, have firmly rejected the plan, refusing to release protected lands for turbine construction. Taiwan's environmental regulations require rigorous impact assessments for any turbines placed within 500 meters of homes, a significant hurdle in the densely populated coastal region.
Minister Peng assured that Taiwan's Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) would thoroughly review all submitted proposals through a transparent process including mandatory public hearings and comprehensive environmental impact studies. He noted the ministry respects the developers' investments and efforts, while simultaneously cautioning companies to proceed with realistic expectations. The minister revealed that recent environmental assessments indicate most onshore wind projects face nearly insurmountable regulatory hurdles, with few likely to secure final government approval. ★