Image Credit: Taiwan News
TCC Group Holdings, formerly known as Taiwan Cement, has decided to cease purchasing Russian coal for its Hoping Power Plant, following meetings with environmental groups in June. The company’s decision, revealed in a statement on Thursday (Sept. 19), has been met with approval from several environmental organisations, including Ecodefense, the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), and the Environmental Rights Protection Foundation (EPRF).
According to TCC, the final shipment of Russian coal will arrive in October under existing contracts. The company’s statement highlighted that the decision aligns with international human rights and environmental considerations, as outlined during discussions with activists earlier this year. A representative from the EPRF described the move as “the right choice” given the global context of environmental sustainability.
TCC explained that its Hoping Power Plant had relied on coal from Australia, Indonesia, and Russia, citing Russian coal’s moderate ash and low sulfur content as key factors in previous purchases. However, growing concerns over the environmental and political implications of importing coal from Russia prompted the company’s shift in policy.
Environmental groups urged other Taiwanese companies to follow TCC’s example, with the EPRF specifically mentioning Formosa Plastics Group as another major importer of Russian coal. CREA data showed that TCC’s imports of Russian coal had already dropped from 17% of Taiwan’s total in 2023 to 6% in 2024.
TCC’s decision is expected to set a significant precedent in Taiwan’s energy sector, potentially influencing other importers to reconsider their sourcing strategies amidst mounting environmental scrutiny.