In order to strengthen the company's competitiveness and customer service, Taipower actively engages in the promotion of R&D projects. In 2008, in addition to completing 29 product developments, 21 process improvements, 19 technical introductions, 21 technical innovations, 5 new patents, 58 technical services and 6 technology promotions, the major achievements were:

◆ Promotion of Renewable Energy

(1) Continued investigation and planning of new energy projects.

(2) Completed study on fabrication and energy storage of the novel alloys with high hydrogen storage capacity, and filed related patent applications.

(3) Completed study on the evaluation and analysis of operation and performance of existing solar photovoltaic projects in Taipower.

(4) Built a 24-hour forecasting model for wind turbine output.

◆ Improvement in Thermal Efficiency

    In 2008, the study on the improvement of the combustion performance for the Taichung Unit 4 was completed. Results obtained indicate that the boiler efficiency was increased by 0.4%~0.5%.

◆ Application of New Technologies

(1) Developed the technology of the detection of partial discharge.

(2) Designed and set up a wastewater recovery system with reverse osmosis membrane on the Taichung Power Plant.

(3) Established the distribution facilities maintenance management system with the application of global position system.

(4) Established customer energy service data warehouse system.

◆ Improvement in Nuclear Operation

(1) Studied site electromagnetic compatibility for I&C system for nuclear power plants.

(2) Established nuclear operation information feedback and management system.

(3) Established a severe accident management program for nuclear power plants.

(4) Established the piping elastic-plastic fracture evaluation program for nuclear power plants.