TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Development Council said the government will spend NT$800 billion (US$26.2 billion) on public infrastructure this year, focusing on building and upgrading energy facilities and transportation networks, CNA reported.
The council said a temporary overnight apron next to the third runway at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport began operations in January, adding space for 16 aircraft as passenger traffic is expected to reach 62 million this year. The airport handles about 150 planes overnight daily, mainly from domestic airlines.
In February, a water resource recovery center in Changhua’s Hemei Township was completed, with the capacity to treat 3,000 tonnes of wastewater daily. A pier expansion project in Kinmen’s Jinhu Township using dredged soil was also finished that month.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs is building two natural gas-fired units at the Taichung Power Plant, with completion expected this year. It also plans to add four more units by 2034. The move aims to reduce coal-fired power generation and cut carbon emissions.
The council noted a wind power project jointly developed by Taipower and Foxwell Energy off the coast of Changhua will install 31 turbines with a total capacity of 294.5 MW. Installation is set for June, with the project expected to be connected to the grid later this year.
Several transport projects are also set to open this year, the council said. The Danjiang Bridge is expected to open in May, cutting travel time between New Taipei’s Tamsui and Bali Districts and easing traffic on the Guandu Bridge.
A 1.4-km eastern extension of the Taipei Metro from Xiangshan Station, including the new Guangci Station, will open in June. The project, which took over 10 years due to complex underground conditions, has completed system testing. The Sanying Line, running from Dingpu Station to Yingge District, is also scheduled to begin operation in June.
The council added the high-speed rail extension to Yilan has passed environmental review, and the construction plan has been submitted to the Cabinet for approval. Construction is expected to begin in 2029, with service scheduled to start in 2036.
