TAINAN (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) refuted the critique of Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je regarding the government's photovoltaic policy on Saturday evening (Oct. 28).
Earlier that day, Ko visited Tainan, the stronghold of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential hopeful Lai Ching-te, to observe the impact of the installation of solar panels on wetlands.
Following the visit, Ko criticized the ruling DPP on Facebook, alleging that it prioritized anti-nuclear sentiments over the responsible development of photovoltaic energy. Ko stated that inappropriate photovoltaic policy has led to reduced aquaculture output.
However, the MOEA refuted Ko's perspective, citing data from scientific experiments conducted by the Fisheries Research Institute between 2018 and 2021. The results showed that the country's top eight farmed species, including the clams that Ko inspected, could maintain over 70% of their production capacity. Consequently, the ministry accused Ko of neglecting the 'scientific spirit.'
Li Chun-li, deputy director general of the Bureau of Energy at the MOEA, emphasized the need for firm evidence and data to assess the state of aquaculture.
The ministry also alleged that Ko unjustly attributed growth issues in fish and shrimp to photovoltaic panels, highlighting his limited understanding of energy-related matters.
Moreover, the ministry criticized Ko for using non-representative cases as examples and claimed that the photos he used were not from a joint fishery and solar power project site.
