Mingtan Power Plant Introduction
Sun Moon Lake: Renowned for its stunning scenery, Sun Moon Lake is not only a key hub for hydropower generation in Taiwan but also a model of green energy, often referred to as the best representation of "white coal turning into gold." Over the past eighty years, Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) has constructed several power plants here, including Daguang, Jugong, Minghu, Mingtan, and Shuiali, along with the Minghu and Mingtan reservoirs specifically designed for pumped storage hydropower. The density of power plants and reservoirs near Checheng is rare on a global scale. Sun Moon Lake has a total installed capacity of 2,768.3 megawatts, accounting for 62% of Taiwan's total hydropower generation. With the advantages of both conventional and pumped storage hydropower resources, it is an ideal location for promoting energy conservation, carbon reduction, and renewable energy, making it a highly informative tourist destination. Among the numerous power generation facilities at Sun Moon Lake, two historical and unique power plants and reservoirs stand out: Mingtan Jugong Branch (originally Sun Moon Lake Second Power Plant) was built between December 1935 and 1937. It utilizes water released from the Sun Moon Lake First Power Plant, channeling it through a 4,409-meter-long water diversion tunnel that converges with the water from the Tonggui Creek and flows into the Tonggui regulating pond for storage. With a water level drop of 123.6 meters, it generates 43.5 kilowatts of electricity. This plant was named "Jugong Power Plant" by Soong Mei-ling in January 1963 and was merged with Mingtan Power Plant in March 1999, now known as Mingtan Jugong Branch. Mingtan Power Plant, also known as Mingtan Pumped Storage Power Plant, is one of Taiwan's largest hydropower projects and the second pumped storage power project in Taiwan, as well as one of the largest hydropower projects in the history of the island. It uses Sun Moon Lake as the upper reservoir and Mingtan Reservoir as the lower reservoir. The Mingtan Power Plant began construction in September 1987, with six units coming into commercial operation between 1993 and 1994. This plant harnesses an impressive drop of 380 meters to drive six generators, achieving a total installed capacity of 1,602 megawatts, making it one of the few giant pumped storage hydropower plants in the world. Mingtan Reservoir, located in the Shui Li Creek valley at the border of Shui Li Township and Yu Chi Township, is adjacent to Highway 131. This artificial lake was created by constructing a dam utilizing the valley's topography, primarily functioning to store the tailwater produced by hydropower generation in Sun Moon Lake. Both Mingtan and Minghu reservoirs are pumped storage power plants designed with environmental considerations in mind. These artificial lakes are specifically built for hydropower generation. The pumped storage method utilizes water level differences for cyclical electricity generation, allowing flexible adjustment of power output during peak and off-peak times while also serving as a clean, pollution-free energy source. The lower dam of Mingtan Reservoir adopts a concrete gravity dam structure, and the lake's surface presents a unique crescent shape, with a water storage capacity of 12 million cubic meters. The daily water level fluctuation can reach 28 meters, creating a distinctive tidal phenomenon in the lake. Especially during the early morning, the scene of swirling clouds and mist adds to the ethereal ambiance. Visitors can deeply appreciate the unique tranquility and clarity of the mountains and waters, whether overlooking the lake from the highway or getting closer to the water's edge.
