Taiwan inaugurated the largest high concentration photovoltaic solar power plant (HCPV) in Asia

Taiwan inaugurated the largest high concentration photovoltaic solar power plant (HCPV) in Asia. With a capacity of approximately 1 MW, the plant covers a surface of 2 hectares and is the second facility in the world as for capacity, after the 10 MW power station that is being presently completed in Spain.

Located in the south of the country, near the Lujhu township, the facility consists of 141 solar tracking panels, equipped with optics that concentrate the Sun’s irradiation on the PV cells placed underneath. The area is considered excellent for solar generation, since it has over 300 days of sunlight a year.

An investment of 270 million new Taiwan dollars (approximately 5.9 million euros) was required for the Lujhu facility, which was made by the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER). The generation cost is estimated 2 to 2.5 times higher than that of the most efficient traditional PV plants.

Nevertheless, INER considers that costs will be significantly abated following a large-scale commercialization, while the fact that it can be situated in a small area – compared to traditional PV plants – is especially appreciated in Taiwan, due to its territorial and social characteristics. Regarding the operational testing, INER said that it is considering increasing the plant up to 10 MW.

Presently Taiwan generates about 6.8% of its electricity consumption from renewable sources. Last June its Parliament approved a bill aiming at installing new renewable capacity up to 10,000 MW within the next 20 years.

www.taipeitimes.com