Taiwan plans for nearly 100 hectares of carbon planting in Yilan, Taitung

台灣計劃在宜蘭與台東近100公頃種碳權

National Chung Hsing University to help oversee afforestation project


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) has entrusted National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) to publicly bid to lease nearly 100 hectares of land for carbon planting in Yilan and Taitung starting in April.

The winning bidders will be responsible for afforestation and applying for carbon credits after verification, which they can use for their own carbon reduction or trade with other companies, per CNA. Furthermore, the central government will receive 10% of the carbon credits obtained.

Together with the MOF’s National Property Administration (NPA), NCHU has already surveyed approximately 20 hectares of land in Sanxing Township, Yilan County, and about 72 hectares in Chihshang Township, Taitung County, per Liberty Times. These lands will be tested through public tendering for afforestation by businesses.

The NPA said that the surveyed land in Yilan was previously used as a gravel quarry, while the land in Taitung was a former railway factory. “Both areas are currently underutilized, with poor soil quality, making it difficult to grow crops,” the agency said.

The winning businesses will pay land rent and royalties to the NPA, CNA reported. Afforestation will generate carbon sinks and companies can apply for carbon credits, the agency said.

The MOF said that pending the confirmation of investment documents by the selection committee, NCHU is expected to conduct public investment invitations after the Tomb-Sweeping Day holiday.