Climate Change Administration

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an indispensable component of the global transition towards net-zero emissions. CPC Corporation, Taiwan, proposed the "Tiehchenshan Carbon Capture and Storage Cross-Ministerial Pilot Project - Carbon Dioxide Storage Plan," and formally applied to the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) for storage approval in accordance with the Climate Change Response Act, projecting to store 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide over a three-year period.

MOENV convened a review meeting today (April 1) and approved the pilot project to proceed in three phases: storing 10,000 metric tons, reaching a cumulative 100,000 metric tons, and reaching a cumulative 300,000 metric tons. This represents a significant new milestone in Taiwan's efforts to promote carbon reduction.

CPC’s cross-ministerial pilot project at Tiehchenshan was approved by the Executive Yuan in early 2023. The project utilizes the well pad area at the company's Tiehchenshan injection and production area to install injection wells and related facilities, all of which have now been fully constructed. MOENV noted that Article 39 of the Climate Change Response Act states: "Enterprises conducting carbon dioxide storage after capture shall apply to the central competent authority for approval." Consequently, CPC submitted the required documentation to MOENV for review in October 2025 in compliance with the Act.

As this is Taiwan’s first carbon capture and storage site, MOENV emphasized that the review committee brought together experts and scholars from fields such as geology, environmental engineering, and law, alongside representatives from relevant ministries and Miaoli County Government. The evaluation focused on geological data, fault risks, numerical simulations, injection conditions, carbon sources, monitoring plans, thresholds for determining monitoring anomalies (a traffic-light system), emergency response measures, public engagement, and information transparency.

During today's second review meeting, following thorough discussions among committee members and relevant agencies, the phased execution of the storage project was approved with the following key conclusions:

During today's second review meeting, following thorough discussions among committee members and relevant agencies, the phased execution of the storage project was approved with the following key conclusions:

Project Timeline: The pilot project has an implementation period of three years, starting from the date MOENV issues the approval letter. If the total injection volume is not completed within this timeframe, an extension may be requested before the expiration date. Only one extension is permitted, with a maximum duration of three years.

Domestic Carbon Source: The carbon dioxide stored under this pilot project must be captured domestically.

Environmental Monitoring and Thresholds: CPC must rigorously monitor bottom-hole pressure, microseismicity, on-site carbon dioxide concentrations, groundwater, soil, and the atmosphere. Adhering to standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a monitoring radius of 1.6 kilometers is established, with a magnitude of 2.7 on the Richter scale serving as the threshold for reporting anomalies and initiating emergency responses.

Public Engagement: CPC is required to maintain ongoing public engagement and ensure information transparency. A public briefing must be held again prior to the commencement of official injection activities.

Public Engagement: CPC is required to maintain ongoing public engagement and ensure information transparency. A public briefing must be held again prior to the commencement of official injection activities.