TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislators in Taiwan engaged in cross-party negotiations on Friday (Nov. 14), discussing amendments to several environmental regulations, including the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (環境影響評估法) and the National Park Law (國家公園法). These talks aim to address the impact of solar photovoltaic systems on lake ecosystems. This issue emerged after floating solar panels in southern Taiwan were found to be damaged after Typhoon Danas (丹娜絲) in July, which raised concerns over pollution.
The Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Association (台灣太陽光電產業協會) and six other major industry associations issued a statement on Friday (Nov. 14) expressing concern that the proposed amendments would impose stricter review hurdles on solar power than on thermal power plants, nuclear plants, and petrochemical industries. They argued that this could hinder Taiwan's energy transition efforts. Industry associations have instead urged a pause on the proposed legal changes, advocating for open and transparent dialogue with environmental groups and solar industry representatives.
The associations proposed adopting international experiences, suggesting a dual-track management system that promotes both environmental sustainability and energy transition. They recommended a reasonable and expedited review process for low-pollution green energy sources like solar power. The solar industry associations called on policymakers to avoid turning Taiwan's energy policy into a zero-sum game driven by individual political interests.
The Taiwan People's Party (民眾黨) caucus introduced an amendment to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, adding provisions for solar photovoltaic systems. This amendment, which mandates environmental assessments before development in national parks and wildlife habitats, passed its second reading on Aug. 29. Several activist groups called for further restrictions on Oct. 29, such as banning floating solar development in scenic areas and expanded assessments in coastal regions.
