Gridcrosser: Green Technology, Internet of Things and More from Taiwan

A view of Taipei City, Taiwan

Rapid industrialization and increase in human population in recent years have negatively impacted the environment. But with the advancement of technology, the campaign for environmental protection and conservation has also intensified, leading to an increased awareness. More and more businesses are committing to “greener” practices, leading to the emergence of “green” technology and industry, bringing about inventions and technological enhancements aim at minimizing harmful effects on the environment.

Taiwan, the East Asian country, has been known for many advances in technology, but the island nation has managed to retain much of its natural environment. Unknown to many, Taiwan has a robust green industry. Taiwan has made big strides in the development and use of “green” technology. Taiwanese companies have been devising systems and technologies on renewable energy, energy storage, energy savings, environmental protection, recycling, low-carbon transportation, wood-based biomass, green building, etc. Currently, Taiwan is a leading exporter of PV cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and bicycles.

Nine of these Taiwanese companies are Neo Solar Power, Eterbright, Biomax Technology, Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies, Everlight Electronics, Chang Hong Energy Technology, Spring Pool Glass, Multiply Energy and UWin Nanotech.

They were showcased by the Green Trade Project Office (GTPO), the international trade promotions arm of the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs, in its Green Industry Company Visits from July 18 to 20 in Taipei to show how the country can provide environmental solutions.

Green Companies

Neo Solar Power (NSP) is one of Taiwan’s and the world’s leading solar cell and module manufacturer. The company is aiming to expand globally to become a vertically-integrated full service solar company. NSP currently makes solar cells, bifacial cells, mono-crystalline cells and multi-crystalline cells.

Eterbright Solar Corp. specializes in research, development and manufacturing of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film PV modules, and its products are widely used in roof-type solar energy systems and large-scale power plants. While its solar panels, which are touted to be durable and cadmium-free, are installed on roofs for home uses, Eterbright also presents innovative ideas such as a solar panel that doubles as a picnic table with an outlet for things such as an electric stove.

Biomax Technology is into agricultural products and services. It also produces biomass, a source of green energy which can be used in industrial boilers and household stoves.

Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies is dedicated to the research and development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells and low pressure hydrogen storage systems, which can used for light vehicles such as scooters and golf carts.

Everlight Electronics manufactures LEDs and LED products such as lamps, lighting components, lighting modules, digital displays, opto-couplers and infrared components for various applications.

Chang Hong Energy Technology is a manufacturer of lithium iron phosphate oxide (LFPO) cell, the key component in power supply and energy storage system.

Spring Pool Glass Industrial Co. is Taiwan’s leading glass collecting and recycling company. Some of the glass they collected they make into green building materials such as the lightweight, fireproof and even soundproof blocks.

Multiply Energy Co. is dedicated to recycling used diapers as well as low-cost water filters.

UWin Nanotech is into reel-to-reel gold plating process design, nano-materials, eco-tech metal stripper, eco-tech equipment, electroplating additives, specialty chemicals, plating apparatuses and precious metal analysis.

Taiwan Expo 2017

These are some of the Taiwanese companies featured at the Green Technology Pavilion, organized by GTPO, at the Taiwan Expo 2017, from September 29 to October 1, 2017, at SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Spearheaded by the Taiwan Association in the Philippines, a social and civic group of Taiwanese businessmen in the Philippines led by its president Allan Lin and honorary president Seimo Huang, Taiwan Expo 2017 brings together well-known Taiwanese companies to introduce their latest products for the first time in the Philippines.

Organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (Taitra), a non-profit trade promotion organization in Taiwan, the Taiwan Expo will have eight themed pavilions covering education, agriculture, tourism, culture, technology and green energy.

The Study in Taiwan Pavilion will showcase Taiwan’s top universities and their offerings, while Culture and Tourism aims to attract visitors with travel packages and tourism products. Health and Lifestyle will feature medical services, food and other lifestyle products, while Inno-Tech will include green technology. Agriculture Tech features the country’s advances in agriculture and fisheries, while City Marketing showcases Taiwan’s six metropolitan areas—Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung. General Support will have banks and insurance companies to entice potential investors in Taiwan, while the Taiwan Association Philippines will display Taiwanese investments in the Philippines.

Aside from the pavilions, there will be two forums—one on fishery and food packaging and another on the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for everyday living.

The Internet of Things Forum

The Taiwan Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions for Smart Living Forum, on September 30, will be of great interest to many Filipinos. IoT is a huge network of things connected through the Internet, said to revolutionize businesses, governments, and consumers. Representatives from some of Taiwan’s tech brands will be speaking about their cutting-edge IoT solutions.

For example, Vivotek will showcase its latest stereo network camera, the SC8131, which generates data by tracking numbers of people and their flow paths. Business owners can leverage this information for operational decisions such as improving store layouts and product promotions. Another application refining smart retail is the Acer Being Signage. This aids retailers in the entire digital marketing process, from consultation to operation. It also provides software that uses a cloud-based video analytics solution for creating, delivering and monitoring digital campaigns.

Using mixed reality technology and calculation camera image positioning technology, Main Orthop aedic Biotechnology Co. Ltd. has created precursory medical glasses that enhance accuracy and shorten surgery time for the medical industry. They will talk about their hi-tech wearable glasses designed to enhance surgeons’ performance and simplify orthopedic procedures. This technology will become a key tool for significant advances in surgery.

The Ropali-Teco Corp. will highlight advances that provide access to electronic vehicles, and enhance user experience by customizing local tricycles and jeepneys with their safety, efficiency, and ecological features. The electronic vehicles utilize a 2.3 kilowatt electric motor and have a 20 percent climbing capacity for sloping paths. This is a good start for public vehicles to decrease fuel consumption and create safer travel for passengers.

Trade Partners

Taiwan and the Philippines have been engaged in economic relationship for many years. The Philippines is Taiwan’s tenth biggest trade partner and the eighth biggest export market in 2016.

“We look forward to enhancing awareness and importance of the expo by carrying out a series of side activities including industry cooperation meetings, forums, cultural performances, etc. It is expected that the expo will be a significant platform to promote mutual beneficial partnerships,” Taitra stated.

The Taiwan Expo is one of the efforts of Taiwan’s current administration’s New Southbound Policy, aimed at building and strengthening bilateral ties with nations south of Taiwan, including the Philippines.