Overview
The Bihai Power Plant is an operational hydroelectric facility located in Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan. As a key component of the regional energy infrastructure, the plant utilizes water as its primary energy source to generate electricity for the grid. The facility is operated by the Taiwan Power Company, the principal utility provider in the region, which manages the plant's day-to-day operations and maintenance to ensure consistent power output. The Bihai Power Plant has an installed capacity of 61.2 MW, contributing to the renewable energy mix in Hualien County. It was commissioned in 2011, marking the beginning of its operational history in the local energy sector. The plant's location in Xiulin Township places it within a region known for its hydrological resources, which are critical for sustaining hydroelectric generation in Taiwan. The facility's design and operational parameters are tailored to the specific hydrological conditions of the area, ensuring efficient energy conversion from water flow to electrical power. The Taiwan Power Company's management of the Bihai Power Plant reflects a broader strategy to leverage Taiwan's natural resources for sustainable energy production. The plant's commissioning in 2011 represents a significant milestone in the development of hydroelectric infrastructure in Hualien County, providing a reliable source of renewable energy for local and regional consumption. The operational status of the plant remains active, indicating its continued relevance in the energy landscape of Taiwan. The Bihai Power Plant's contribution to the grid is measured in megawatts, with its 61.2 MW capacity serving as a key metric for its output. The facility's role in the energy sector is defined by its ability to harness water power, a renewable resource that plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The plant's location in Xiulin Township is strategic, allowing for efficient water management and power generation. The Taiwan Power Company's oversight ensures that the plant operates at optimal efficiency, meeting the energy demands of the region. The commissioning of the Bihai Power Plant in 2011 was a result of careful planning and engineering, aimed at maximizing the potential of the local water resources. The plant's operational history is characterized by its consistent performance and contribution to the energy grid. The facility's design incorporates modern hydroelectric technology, enabling it to generate power efficiently and reliably. The Bihai Power Plant is an example of how Taiwan is utilizing its natural resources to meet energy needs, with the plant serving as a testament to the potential of hydroelectric power in the region. The plant's capacity of 61.2 MW is a significant contribution to the local energy supply, supporting both residential and commercial energy demands. The operational status of the plant is maintained through regular maintenance and monitoring by the Taiwan Power Company, ensuring that the facility continues to perform at its best. The Bihai Power Plant's role in the energy sector is defined by its ability to provide a steady and reliable source of renewable energy, contributing to the overall stability of the power grid in Hualien County. The plant's commissioning in 2011 was a key event in the development of the region's energy infrastructure, marking the introduction of a new source of renewable power. The facility's location in Xiulin Township is ideal for hydroelectric generation, taking advantage of the natural water flow in the area. The Taiwan Power Company's management of the plant ensures that it operates efficiently, maximizing the energy output from the available water resources. The Bihai Power Plant is an important part of Taiwan's efforts to diversify its energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint, with hydroelectric power playing a central role in this strategy. The facility's design and technology are tailored to the specific conditions of Xiulin Township, ensuring that it can generate power efficiently and sustainably. The plant's operational status is maintained through the diligent efforts of the Taiwan Power Company, which ensures that the facility continues to operate at peak efficiency.
History and Construction Timeline
It is operated by the Taiwan Power Company and has a total installed capacity of 61.2 MW. The facility became commercially operational in 2011, marking the culmination of a development process that began with initial geological surveys in 1996. The construction phase officially commenced in 2001, spanning a decade of engineering work to integrate the plant into the local hydroelectric grid.
Development Timeline
The timeline from geological surveys to commercial operation reflects the phased approach taken by the Taiwan Power Company to develop the Bihai site. The initial phase involved extensive geological surveys to assess the hydrological potential of the area in Xiulin Township. Following these surveys, construction activities began in 2001, leading to the plant's commissioning in 2011.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Geological surveys initiated for the Bihai Power Plant site in Xiulin Township, Hualien County. |
| 2001 | Construction of the Bihai Power Plant commenced under the operation of the Taiwan Power Company. |
| 2011 | The Bihai Power Plant was commissioned and entered commercial operation with a capacity of 61.2 MW. |
The completion of the Bihai Power Plant in 2011 added a significant hydroelectric resource to Hualien County's energy infrastructure. The plant's operational status remains active, contributing to the regional power supply through water-based energy generation. The development from the initial 1996 surveys to the 2011 commissioning demonstrates the long-term planning involved in hydroelectric projects in Taiwan's mountainous terrain.
Why it matters
The Bihai Power Plant represents a significant component of Taiwan's hydroelectric infrastructure, specifically within the eastern region of Hualien County. Located in Xiulin Township, this facility contributes to the island's energy mix through its 61.2 MW capacity, operating under the management of the Taiwan Power Company since its commissioning in 2011. Its operational status as a hydroelectric power plant underscores the continued relevance of water-based energy generation in Taiwan's broader energy strategy.
Regional Energy Security
In the context of Taiwan's energy landscape, the Bihai Power Plant plays a role in enhancing regional energy security. Hydroelectric facilities like Bihai provide a reliable source of power, which is crucial for balancing the load on the grid, especially in areas where other energy sources might be less consistent. The plant's location in Xiulin Township, Hualien County, positions it strategically to serve the eastern part of Taiwan, contributing to the stability of the local energy supply. This strategic placement helps mitigate the risks associated with energy dependence on imported fuels, thereby supporting the overall resilience of Taiwan's energy infrastructure.
Cost-Efficiency and Operational Role
The Bihai Power Plant also exemplifies cost-efficiency within Taiwan's hydroelectric sector. With a capacity of 61.2 MW, it offers a substantial contribution to the regional power grid without the need for extensive fuel costs associated with thermal power plants. The operational efficiency of hydroelectric plants like Bihai is further enhanced by their ability to adjust output quickly in response to demand fluctuations, making them valuable assets for load balancing. The Taiwan Power Company, as the operator, leverages this flexibility to optimize energy distribution and reduce overall operational costs. This efficiency is particularly important in a market where energy prices can be volatile, and cost management is a key factor in maintaining competitive electricity rates for consumers.
Overall, the Bihai Power Plant's significance lies in its dual role in bolstering regional energy security and providing a cost-effective energy solution. Its continued operation since 2011 highlights the enduring value of hydroelectric power in Taiwan's energy portfolio, contributing to both the stability and economic efficiency of the island's energy infrastructure.