On the morning of November 7, Wielkopolskie(Greater Poland) Governor Marek Woźniak led a delegation to visit the New Taipei City Government. Mayor Hou You-yi, Economic Development Department Director Sheng Hsiao-jung, and Environmental Protection Department Deputy Director Chu Yi-chun were present to receive the delegation. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including coal-free cities, climate change, energy transition, and net-zero carbon.

Hou You-yi stated that both New Taipei City and Wielkopolskie Province are members of the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA). New Taipei City achieved its goal of becoming a coal-free city by the end of 2022, fulfilling its commitment as a PPCA member. He expressed hope to bring the 'New Taipei Experience' to the global stage and to collaborate with Poland and other international cities on net-zero emissions and energy transition, joining forces to address the challenges of climate change.

The visiting delegation included Wielkopolskie Governor Marek Woźniak, Wielkopolskie Development Foundation CEO Wojciech Marciniak, and Economic Development Bureau Director Beata Joanna Łozińska, among others.





Hou You-yi noted that both New Taipei City and Wielkopolskie are members of the PPCA. New Taipei City phased out all small- and medium-sized coal-fired boilers by the end of 2019, and its last coal-fired cogeneration unit was decommissioned in October 2022, achieving the coal-free city goal ahead of schedule. Wielkopolskie formally joined the PPCA in February 2024. Hou expressed the hope of sharing New Taipei City’s successful experience in coal exit and carbon reduction with other international cities. In line with the goal of sustainable mutual benefit, both regions can explore future collaboration in net-zero emissions, energy transition policies, and other areas, working together to achieve carbon reduction targets and combat climate change.

Governor Marek expressed his deep impression with New Taipei City’s achievements in phasing out coal, noting it as a highly commendable model. Wielkopolskie, still in the early stages of energy transition, faces numerous challenges to overcome. According to data from October 2023 to September 2024, Poland's energy is primarily dependent on fossil fuels, with coal accounting for about 60%, indicating a heavy reliance on coal. Transitioning to low-carbon energy will require more time and development space. Marek hopes to expand exchanges and learn from New Taipei City’s successful coal phase-out experience, aiming to eventually achieve a 'coal-free city' like New Taipei.



Additionally, Governor Marek mentioned that Wielkopolskie has implemented policies supporting a hydrogen economy and joined the European Hydrogen Association. He expressed hope for greater collaboration on hydrogen promotion to further reduce air pollution and accelerate progress toward the 2050 net-zero target.

The Environmental Protection Department further explained that New Taipei City’s coal phase-out strategy focuses on halting new permits for coal use in factories, reducing coal usage limits for existing businesses, and providing substantial subsidies to companies replacing coal-fired facilities. With the premise of preventing any increase in coal-use permits, we encourages businesses to switch to natural gas through economic incentives. Through the long-term collaborative efforts of the Environmental Protection Department, Economic Development Department, and the dedication of local industries, three key policies were successfully implemented between 2019 and 2022: the 'Phase-Out of Coal-Fired Boilers,' 'Conversion from Fuel Oil to Natural Gas in Asphalt Production,' and the 'Phase-Out of Coal-Fired Cogeneration Units.' These initiatives culminated in New Taipei City achieving its coal-free city goal in October 2022.



The Environmental Protection Department emphasized that climate change is a global environmental issue, and as Taiwan’s most populous city, New Taipei City bears a significant responsibility in addressing climate challenges. Following the Paris Agreement, actions to mitigate and adapt to global warming have become even more crucial. In addition to appreciating the recognition from Wielkopolskie’s Governor, a fellow member of the PPCA, New Taipei City is committed to sharing its successful coal phase-out experiences. We aims to collaborate closely with Alliance members to tackle the challenges of energy transition and will continue to engage actively in international climate change initiatives, embracing a global perspective to fulfill its responsibilities and obligations as a global citizen.