Taiwan’s Penghu County Government and Cornwall Council in the U.K. signed a protocol of collaboration Nov. 5 in Taipei City on jointly promoting and developing smart grids, renewable energy and related technologies.
The agreement, which is expected to save energy, cut costs and decarbonize the economy, requires the local governments to work together in developing industry standards, power distribution networks, energy storage R&D and bilateral industry alliance tie-ups.
Yeh Kuo-ching, Penghu’s Public Works Department director, said smart grids are playing a key role in Taiwan’s sustainable development as they significantly increase power efficiency and cut usage. “We are excited about working with Cornwall to tap into this rising industry and help build Penghu into a low carbon island.”
In response, Jonathan Adey, Cornwall’s convergence team leader, said the council is very pleased to collaborate with Penghu on rolling out smart grid technologies. “We expect the pact to stimulate partnership between research institutes and companies engaged in the Penghu Low Carbon Island and Smart Cornwall projects.”
The low carbon island project involves transforming Penghu into a green energy mecca. A key component of the plan is a public-private sector venture calling for 56 percent of the county’s energy needs to be derived from renewable sources. Wind farms capable of generating 96 megawatt per year are to be constructed by 2015, with plans to boost this to 124 MW in the pipeline. In addition, offshore generating facilities may be built if demand rises.
David Campbell, British Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei director, who was on hand for the signing ceremony, said implementation of smart grids in the U.K. will generate more than 13 billion pounds (US$20.77 billion) in economic benefits, while the country’s related exports could top 5 billion pounds.
“As Taiwan is a global technological leader, we are keen to develop further joint links and realize these business opportunities,” he said.
According to the BTCO, Adey is in Taiwan with a delegation from the U.K. Smart Grid mission to establish bilateral industry and academic links. Other members include Robert McNamara, executive director of SmartGrid GB and representatives from British Gas PLC.
The group will visit Penghu Nov. 7 before wrapping up its visit to Taiwan the next day. (JSM)
Write to Meg Chang at sfchang@mofa.gov.tw
SOURCE / Taiwan Today