By KHT Staff. AI illustration image.
KAOHSIUNG — At a second-phase environmental impact assessment scoping meeting held by the Ministry of Environment, activists said the Kaohsiung Science Park could consume about 11.2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. They said that would be roughly equal to the amount of electricity used by Kaohsiung’s homes and businesses in 2025.
The groups argued that such demand could force the city to rely more heavily on fossil fuel power, particularly from the Hsinta Power Plant (興達發電廠), and could lead to higher carbon emissions. They said the issue is especially urgent as Kaohsiung continues to expand its semiconductor and technology industries across multiple sites.
They called for clearer and more realistic renewable energy targets from companies planning to enter the park. They also urged the city to move faster on solar development, strengthen local power generation, and improve factory energy efficiency to limit future demand.
Developers responded that companies in the park plan to install rooftop solar panels and are already working with green energy suppliers. They also said a significant amount of renewable electricity has already been secured.
The project is planned for the site of a former refinery in Nanzih District (楠梓區). It is expected to attract software, smart technology, and green energy industries, while creating about 6,600 jobs. Officials say the development will help drive economic growth, but critics argue that its energy demands must be addressed more seriously before construction moves ahead.
