The National Audit Office Urges Improvements After Management Lapses at Taipower Hsinta Power Plant Lead to Coal Smoldering; New Measures Implemented to Enhance Storage Safety.。

The Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) Hsinta Power Plant operates four coal-fired generating units. To eliminate coal dust dispersal from outdoor storage, four indoor coal bunkers were constructed. However, an audit by the National Audit Office revealed that the bunker loading and unloading equipment utilized a "Last-In, First-Out" (LIFO) method to transport coal for power generation. Due to suboptimal storage management at the Hsinta Power Plant, coal stored for extended periods began to smolder and spontaneously combust. Following a formal request from the Audit Office to develop effective solutions, Taipower has formulated and implemented refined management measures, effectively strengthening the safety of coal storage within the bunkers.

Audit Office Urges Expansion of Smart Roadside Parking in Kaohsiung; City Responds by Increasing Installations to Boost Efficiency and Reduce Carbon Emissions.

The Bureau of Transportation, Kaohsiung City Government, has been promoting the smart management of roadside parking spaces by introducing AI-based Automated Number Plate Recognition systems. However, an audit by the Kaohsiung City Audit Division of the National Audit Office revealed that the implementation rate of smart parking facilities remains insufficient. Following a formal request for improvement, the Bureau has expanded the scope and quantity of these installations, successfully enhancing the utilization and management efficiency of roadside parking spaces while supporting energy-saving and carbon-reduction goals.

The National Audit Office Urges Better Integration of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites and Rocket Development into National Space Plan; Program Amended with Increased Funding to Foster Systematic Growth.

To strengthen the development of space technology, the Executive Yuan has been promoting the "Third Phase of the National Space Technology Development Long-Term Plan" (hereafter referred to as the Third Phase Space Plan). Under this plan, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) tasked the Taiwan Space Agency with developing ten remote-sensing satellites, including the FORMOSAT-8 series. However, an audit by the National Audit Office revealed that, while TASA has progressively introduced new R&D projects for Low-Earth Orbit communication satellites and orbital launch vehicles since 2021, these initiatives were not integrated into the overall strategic review of the plan. Following a formal request to the NSTC for rectification, the Council has since consolidated and amended the Third Phase Space Plan, expanding its budget and scope to ensure the systematic development of space technology and its related industries.

Audit Office Monitors Progress of Endangered Species Conservation Plans; Ministry of Agriculture Finalizes 23 Action Plans to Guide Collaborative Conservation Efforts.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) of the Ministry of Agriculture develops "Endangered Species Conservation Action Plans" to prevent biodiversity loss. An audit by the Education, Agriculture, and Forestry Audit Division of the National Audit Office revealed that the draft conservation action plans prepared by FANCA had not yet undergone official approval. Following a formal request for improvement, the Agency has officially finalized 23 conservation action plans. These plans serve as a framework for cooperation between government agencies and the public, aiming to prevent the extinction of endangered species and achieve the goal of restoring vital biological populations.