Powering Taiwan’s industrial growth: cleaner energy for a net-zero future

Driven by the rapid expansion of its high-tech manufacturing sector, Taiwan’s electricity demand reached a record 283.35 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024. To meet this growing demand while advancing its 2050 net-zero target, Taiwan is upgrading its energy infrastructure to become more diversified, efficient, and resilient.

Located in Shanshang District, Tainan City, Sun Ba Power Corporation is a key independent power producer in southern Taiwan. It supplies reliable electricity to energy-intensive industries such as semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. In response to increasing power demand, Sun Ba launched its Phase II expansion project in 2021, partnering with CTCI Corporation and Siemens Energy to deploy advanced combined cycle technology that enhances grid stability and operational performance.

With an installed capacity of 1.1 gigawatts (GW), Sun Ba Phase II is one of Taiwan’s largest privately operated combined cycle power plants. It plays a vital role in supporting both base load and peak demand for the southern grid and nearby science and industrial parks.

During the planning phase, Sun Ba, CTCI, and Siemens Energy conducted a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and developed a construction strategy aligned with best practices in sustainability and operational excellence. Throughout construction, the project team adhered to rigorous standards for safety, environmental protection, and quality assurance.

Environmentally responsible construction methods, including low-noise and dust-reduction techniques were employed to minimize impact on surrounding communities. These efforts reflect the environmental stewardship expected of large-scale energy infrastructure projects.

The plant features Siemens Energy two SGT6-9000HL gas turbines, one SST-5000 steam turbine, and three SGen6-2000P generators, engineered for high efficiency and operational flexibility. The HL-class technology enables higher efficiency and rapid response to fluctuating load demands, while minimizing emissions.

To further reduce environmental impact, the plant incorporates a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, maintaining nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions at approximately 2 parts per million (ppm), meeting both local and international environmental standards.

The gas turbines are also designed with future-ready features that allow for potential hydrogen co-firing, positioning the plant for long-term alignment with Taiwan’s decarbonization pathway.

During execution, the project faced several challenges, including cross-border logistics, and multi-stakeholder coordination. To address these complexities, the team adopted a cross-regional collaboration model that combined rolling planning, remote technical support, and synchronized site execution. Key components were delivered, installed, and commissioned on schedule, demonstrating strong execution discipline and teamwork.

“From contract signing through to commissioning, our team gave everything to this project,” said Andy Chang, Project Manager at Siemens Energy. “We approached it with the same care and commitment as if it were our own child, striving for operational excellence and long-term value.”

To address time zone and distance challenges, Siemens Energy mobilized resources from Europe, the Americas, and other regions, establishing a streamlined communication framework with the local site team. “Effective global coordination was essential to the project’s success,” Andy added. “Precision in coordination directly influenced our progress.”

Chairman Hsu emphasized Siemens Energy’s expertise in global resource integration and its agility in responding to challenges. This high-level collaboration enabled the project to overcome challenges and achieve its construction goals on schedule, while also providing valuable experience for future complex energy projects. 

“Building this project wasn’t easy.” Chiu Sheng-Li, Vice President of Sun Ba Power Corporation mentioned, “We faced pandemic restrictions, typhoons, and heavy rains. These challenges impacted our schedule, but through the close collaboration of Siemens Energy, CTCI, and Sun Ba, we were able to overcome each one and keep the project firmly on track.”

On April 3, 2024, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Taiwan. Despite strong tremors at the Sun Ba Phase II site, safety protocols were swiftly and effectively implemented, ensuring no injuries occurred. After confirming site safety, construction resumed smoothly. Notably, the SGT6-9000HL gas turbine completed its first firing that same afternoon—an important milestone in the plant’s journey toward operational readiness.

Several months later, the plant was successfully synchronized to the grid.

The successful commissioning of Sun Ba Phase II not only reinforces the southern Taiwan power grid, but also serves as a model for a low-carbon, hydrogen-ready energy solution. The project demonstrates how combined cycle gas power plants can meet industrial energy needs, support grid reliability, and contribute to decarbonization, acting as a bridge between today’s energy demands and tomorrow’s sustainable future.