Taipower illustrated book traces hydropower development in Taiwan

台電繪本追溯了台灣的水力發電發展進程

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipower has released its first illustrated book on the history of hydropower development in Taiwan, accompanied by an exhibition at its headquarters running through May 18, per CNA.

Titled “Electricifying the Island, Time Traveling Through Taiwan’s Hydropower History,” the book highlights the role hydropower has played in the nation’s economic and industrial development.

In a press release, Taipower said hydropower was among the earliest sources of electricity in Taiwan, supporting the growth of early industries. Though often unseen, electricity underpins daily life by lighting homes, powering factories, and keeping digital devices running. Among generation methods, hydropower is considered one of Taiwan’s oldest.

Taiwan began harnessing water power for electricity more than a century ago. Beyond generating power, hydropower facilities reflect the technological progress and development of the country’s energy sector.

While newer and more diverse energy sources have emerged, hydropower continues to play a critical supporting role. Although it does not account for the largest share of electricity generation, it can be rapidly deployed during spikes in demand or when grid stabilization is needed. Pumped storage systems, in particular, serve as a key safeguard for power supply security.

Taipower collaborated with a creative team that spent a year visiting hydropower plants and collecting materials for the book. Using the Zhuoshui River basin as a central theme, the publication weaves together geography, engineering, and historical context to illustrate how hydropower has evolved in response to local conditions and societal needs, per CNA.

The development of one featured facility along the Zhuoshui River is documented as producing Taiwan’s first kilowatt-hour of electricity over a century ago, later becoming a primary energy source in the 1950s and 1960s, and now serving as a rapid-response system for the modern power grid.

The book also introduces scientific concepts, such as the fundamentals of hydroelectric generation, the daily responsibilities of plant workers, and the industry's cultural history. It includes more than 30 illustrations, depicting scenes such as the Sun Moon Lake hydropower system, detailed structural diagrams, and aerial views of the Zhuoshui River basin.

Illustrations were created by award-winning artist Croter (洪添賢), recipient of the Golden Tripod Award and other international honors. Known for his detailed style, Croter transforms complex electrical engineering concepts into accessible and engaging visuals. The book has been selected for Eslite Bookstore’s May children’s reading list.

To ensure accuracy and readability, Croter consulted technical drawings and visited hydropower plants to better understand their mechanical structures, then translated them into simplified illustrations.

The book is authored by picture book specialist Chen Hsin-yi (陳歆怡), who conducted yearlong research into Taiwan’s hydropower industry. Among the insights highlighted is the dual role of Sun Moon Lake, a popular tourist destination for cycling and swimming, which also serves as a major hydropower hub and the country’s largest energy storage system.