Ma’an Hydropower Station
Project details
Project name: Ma’an Hydropower Station
Project location: Dajia River, Heping District, Taichung City
Installed capacity: 133.5 MW
Project owner: Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower)
2025 HSS Assessment
Assessment tool: Hydropower Sustainability Standard
Assessment stage: Operation
Assessment date: 8-16 May 2025
HSS Assessment Report:
Public Consultation Form
Assessor Team
Sustainability assessment overview
The Ma’an Hydropower Station in Taichung City is a 133.5 MW peaking facility within Taipower’s Dajia River cascade. In operation since 1998, it supports renewable integration, downstream water supply and irrigation, and provides flood safety. The project also plays a role in climate adaptation, though it is highly exposed to future climate risks.
Key issues identified include biodiversity impacts in the Dajia valley, uncertainties around the effectiveness of fish conservation measures, and the absence of a structured process to assess potential risks to Indigenous Atayal rights. Limited specialised environmental and social staffing and the need for more systematic stakeholder engagement were also noted. At the same time, the assessment highlights strong governance, ISO 14001-certified environmental management, safe dam operations, modern labour practices, and sustained benefits to local communities through mandated funding, CSR initiatives, and improved infrastructure.
The public consultation period on the Preliminary Assessment Report of Ma’an Hydropower Station is open from 17 September to 17 November 2025.
Submit your comments in ENGLISH or CHINESE
Evidence of the distribution of the assessment report to provide comments is available here.
Learn more about Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower).
Results diagram
The assessment of Ma’an was conducted with the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) as part of a pilot program to assess the feasibility of a dual certification pathway (in accordance with the MoU between the HSA and LIHI). Both organisations are now seeking to conduct a second pilot in the United Sates.
If you are interested in learning more about the pilot or putting forward your project, please reach out to the HSA and LIHI at info@hs-alliance.org and info@lowimpacthydro.org"
