TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a blend of ancient tradition and modern sustainability, one of Taiwan's most revered Buddhist temples has embraced renewable energy technology. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) announced Monday (April 28) that the historic Lungshan Temple (龍山寺), a nearly 300-year-old religious landmark, has installed innovative solar panels expected to save more than 5,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually while reducing carbon emissions by 3,000 kilograms.
City officials gathered at the temple that day for an unveiling ceremony showcasing the distinctively colorful vertical solar panels adorning the ancient structure. The installation represents a milestone in the ambitious Taipei Net-zero 101 (台北淨零101) initiative, a municipal climate program targeting the completion of 101 green building demonstration projects within a three-year timeframe. During the ceremony, Mayor Chiang highlighted the technological innovation at work, noting that Lungshan Temple pioneers the combination of flexible solar technology with integrated energy storage systems.
The mayor touted the capital city's pioneering role in Taiwan's climate response, emphasizing that Taipei became the first local government in the island nation to implement a legally binding net-zero emission management ordinance. He detailed the city's multipronged approach to green transportation, which includes free 30-minute rides on Ubike, the city's bike-sharing system, and a NT$1,200 (about US$37) monthly transit pass designed to encourage at least a quarter of residents to choose public transportation. Chiang added that municipal workers would install 1,600 electric vehicle charging stations in public parking facilities before the year concludes.
During the ceremony, Lungshan Temple chairman Huang Shu-wei (黃書瑋) connected the new installation to the temple's longstanding environmental ethos, expressing optimism that society would embrace broader sustainability efforts. Tseng Kuan-chih (曾冠智), who leads the renewable energy initiative, revealed plans for future demonstration projects at two prominent city landmarks: the recently completed Taipei Dome (大巨蛋), a major sports and entertainment complex, and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (松菸文創園區), a repurposed tobacco factory now serving as an arts center. Political observers noted that Mayor Chiang, who faces ongoing questions about his potential presidential ambitions, avoided addressing any policy matters unrelated to the environmental announcement before departing quietly. ★