HSINCHU (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of solar power as a national policy on Tuesday, regardless of the ruling party.
"Photovoltaics does not bring about the heat island effect, affect rainfall, or cause dengue fever. This is basic scientific common sense," Lai stated during a visit to a temple in Hsinchu County.
"No candidate should deliberately label Tainan City or the optoelectronics industry for electoral gain," he added, referencing the upcoming 2024 national elections.
Lai's remarks were in response to criticism from Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih. Hou, a day earlier, had criticized Tainan's green energy policy, alleging it harms fishermen's livelihoods and the environment.
Hou, along with his running mate Jaw Shau-kong, had visited a photovoltaic power farm in Qigu District, Tainan. There, they encountered local wardens who expressed opposition to further solar power plant construction.
