(Taipei, CNA Reporter Zeng Zhiyi) To reduce disputes surrounding ground-mounted solar power development and improve application efficiency, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced today a draft amendment to the "Electricity Registration Rules." The proposed revision specifies that local information sessions by developers must be held earlier in the application process. Additionally, a standardized checklist for local governments to issue consent letters for solar power facilities has been drafted, aiming to address inconsistencies in review standards across counties and cities.

Green energy development is critical to Taiwan’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050. However, insufficient local coordination and communication may hinder progress. In September, Yunlin County Government sent a formal letter to the MOEA’s Bureau of Energy, calling for consistent review standards. This brought the issue of solar power application procedures to the forefront.

Current Application Procedures for Solar Power Development

Under current regulations for establishing or expanding solar power facilities, developers must go through three major phases: planning, construction, and issuance of an electricity business license. A local information session is required before the construction phase.

Proposed Amendments

In response to public expectations, the MOEA has drafted amendments to the "Electricity Registration Rules," formally announced today. The proposed changes require solar power developers to hold an additional information session before applying for planning approval. The session must be held in the village where the majority of solar modules, substations, and energy storage systems will be installed.

Bureau of Energy Deputy Director Li Junli explained that local residents often complain about approvals being granted before they are informed. Developers are also frustrated because substantial costs and time have already been invested, and projects may face forced termination, resulting in significant losses. The amendments aim to promote transparency and communication with local residents at an earlier stage, making the development process smoother. If developers encounter insurmountable issues, they can halt the project early on.

Additional Requirements

After obtaining planning or expansion approval, if there are changes to the location of substations or energy storage systems (different from the original land number) or new sites are added for major power generation equipment, developers must conduct another local information session before applying for the changes.

In other words, developers, previously required to hold just one information session, may now need to hold up to three sessions under the revised rules.

During these sessions, solar power developers must notify both central and local governments, elected representatives, and village chiefs. The meeting details must also be publicly disclosed on the electricity regulatory agency’s designated website for public review.

Standardized Review Checklists

Previously, developers often faced inconsistent review standards when working in different counties and cities. To ensure local governments adopt uniform and specific standards for issuing consent letters for solar power facilities, the MOEA has also drafted a standardized checklist format. Developers will conduct self-assessments before local governments verify them. According to the Bureau of Energy, based on past experience, the verification process takes about two months. While local governments may add specific requirements based on their unique needs, they are discouraged from doing so.

Scope of the Amendments

The amendments apply to ground-mounted solar power projects. Self-use solar installations are not included in this scope. Li Junli acknowledged that rooftop solar projects are relatively easier to implement since they only require the consent of the property owner. In contrast, ground-mounted solar projects involve social, environmental, and ecological concerns, making them more complex. The revised rules are expected to reduce disputes and improve application efficiency.

(Edited by Pan Yijing) 1131206

Source:CNA