A solar energy company has developed a 32.5-hectare solar field on a hillside adjacent to the Peng’e Expressway in Pingtung. The once beautiful green slope has been extensively excavated, leaving it bare and covered in flying yellow soil. Recently, solar panels have been gradually installed, creating a stark contrast when viewed from above with the neighboring green hills.
The once beautiful green slope has been excavated, leaving bare yellow soil with dust flying around. Solar panels have been gradually installed, creating a stark contrast when viewed from above with the nearby green hills.
Local residents are concerned that heavy rainfall could trigger mudslides due to extensive development by the company. The company has claimed to have implemented soil and water conservation measures based on expert recommendations, and the felling of trees primarily involved non-native invasive species such as Acacia confusa, without cutting down any native forests. They also plan to carry out landscaping to integrate with the surrounding environment in the future.
This concerning solar plant development project is located on a hillside near the intersection of the Ping’e Expressway, Shizih Township, and Checheng Township. It is adjacent to the famous Xiaojianshan 小尖山 mountain and serves as a gateway to Kenting.
The site belongs to the Hefong Solar Power Project 合豐光電案場, jointly owned by three energy companies, covering an area of approximately 52 hectares.
The developed area exceeds 30 hectares, with an approved installation of 32.5 hectares of solar photovoltaic facilities. After receiving approval from Taiwan Power Company in 2019, the project obtained the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Energy Bureau’s permission for power industry establishment.
In 2021, it gained approval from the Ministry of the Interior’s Construction Agency for development. In March of last year, it obtained construction permits from the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Energy Bureau and approval from the Council of Agriculture’s Soil and Water Conservation Bureau to commence soil and water conservation works. Currently, it is nearing completion.
Although there are solar installations on agricultural land in the Hengchun Peninsula, they are not extensive. The solar project located next to the Ping’e section of the Pingtung-Gu road has a significant site area as it is situated along the Taiwan Provincial Highway 26, which is a route leading to Kenting.
Passersby can easily see the expansive solar field. Despite the industry’s emphasis on legality, there are worries about the potential risk of mudslides during the rainy season.
Local residents express their concern that solar power plants in Taiwan have been increasingly occupying farmland and hillside areas in recent years.
The company states that all the permits and development activities for the project are legally compliant. The soil and water conservation works are being carried out according to the plan.
The felling of trees mainly involves harmful non-native invasive species such as Acacia confusa, shallow-rooted bamboo groves, and weeds. Enhanced protective measures such as slope protection nets and detention ponds are being constructed on-site to strengthen water conservation. Upon completion, the project will ensure safety, and there are plans to continue greening efforts to mitigate the impact on the hillside landscape.
While the companies involved assures compliance with regulations and the implementation of water conservation measures, there are valid concerns about potential risks such as mudslides during the rainy season. Balancing renewable energy development with environmental sustainability and community concerns remains crucial in pursuing a greener future.