TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In early November, the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Energy Administration announced plans to establish hydrogen refueling stations. Alongside this decision, Taiwan's state-owned CPC Corporation unveiled its intention to build the first hydrogen station in Kaohsiung.
The CPC's initiative consists of three stages, beginning with the first hydrogen station serving as a demonstration site in the short term. This will enable the public to gain a deeper understanding of hydrogen's benefits.
In the mid-term, CPC aims to align with Taiwan's national policy of exclusively using electric buses by 2030, and will gradually expand the hydrogen station network to support various vehicles. The third phase of the initiative focuses on the comprehensive development of hydrogen applications.
Lu Kuo-hsu, head of the Green Technology Research Institute (GTRI), stated that the selected site, being in a less populated area, not only complies with regulations but also exceeds standards.
"We are working diligently to complete the construction by the end of 2023, or latest by mid-2024. During this time, we'll focus on public engagement," Lu added.
However, the high cost of hydrogen, ranging from NT＄150 to NT＄180 per kilogram, presents a challenge, as hydrogen-powered vehicles currently lack incentives when compared to electric vehicles.
Tseng Chung-jen, director of the Center for Energy Research at National Central University, highlighted that whether it involves burning hydrogen or using fuel cells for an electrochemical reaction, the process emits no pollutants.
The "12 Key Strategies of Taiwan's 2050 Net-Zero Transition" report, released by the National Development Council in March 2022, identifies hydrogen energy as a critical strategy. The report anticipates the global hydrogen demand to reach 530 million tons by 2050.
As nations bolster their defenses against climate threats, hydrogen is poised to become a key alternative energy source for future generations.
