Recently, to address concerns raised by hikers about insufficient power supply at Pyi Yun Lodge, located at an altitude of 3,402 meters, Yushan National Park commissioned architects and electrical engineers to conduct a feasibility assessment and improvement plan for increasing power supply. The architects proposed various methods to enhance power supply, including the installation of grid electricity by Taipower, solar power, wind power, and even run-of-the-river hydroelectric power. Information sessions were held in northern, central, and southern Taiwan, drawing widespread attention and discussion from all sectors of society and hiking enthusiasts.

Any hiker who has conquered Yushan knows that the mountain path from Tatachia to Yushan Main Peak to Pyi Yun Lodge is about 8.5 kilometers long, with 83 wooden boardwalks along the way, as well as rocky and earthen trails. The 7.0-kilometer route from the ridgeline of Yushan’s Front Peak and West Peak to Pyi Yun Lodge mostly traverses rocky cliffs, bamboo groves, and fir forests—terrain that is highly fragmented. In such a dynamic natural environment, the idea of “gutting the mountain” to string power lines up the slope is certainly not a good one. The environmental disruption and the burden of future maintenance would be immense. Many members of the public and experts have voiced strong opposition, suggesting that the authorities in charge should consider alternative solutions more seriously.

Currently, Pyi Yun Lodge relies on a combination of solar energy storage and diesel generators to supply power. According to data from the Yushan National Park Headquarters, the lodge is a two-story steel-framed structure. The first floor serves as a dining, social, and interpretive space, while the second floor contains 92 bunk beds in partitioned dormitory-style rooms. The lodge accommodates a daily limit of 92 hikers. Its daily power needs—including meals, lighting, communication, and emergency medical services—amount to approximately 50 kilowatt-hours. Given the robust development of Taiwan’s solar energy industry and energy storage systems, coupled with the nation’s globally leading information and communication capabilities, there is absolutely no difficulty in transforming this national icon into a demonstration site showcasing Taiwan’s renewable energy prowess. For instance, the green energy team from the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology and energy-saving home technology has successfully implemented renewable energy smart microgrid storage systems in outlying islands like Kinmen and in disaster-stricken areas following Typhoon Morakot, effectively addressing energy supply challenges in similar remote regions.

Therefore, the Yushan National Park Headquarters can build upon the existing power infrastructure by increasing the installed capacity of solar power and adopting lithium-ion batteries for energy storage (with a lifespan of up to 10 years). If roof space is insufficient, an open area adjacent to the site or a sunlit slope could be found to install at least a 50 kW solar array. When sunlight is available, the system can store energy to directly power loads or heat water; when there is no sunlight, the battery provides electricity. The system can also incorporate energy management and demand control, strictly regulating power usage across different levels. Additionally, one or two 5 kW methanol fuel cells can be prepared as a first-tier backup power source. Fuel cell systems offer green advantages such as low emissions, high efficiency, no noise, no harmful substances, and the ability to use renewable biomass energy. They also outperform diesel generators and other internal combustion engines by over 40% in efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and greatly cutting exhaust emissions. The byproducts are water and heat, with the thermal energy being recoverable for water heating—thus making full use of available energy.

The Yushan National Park Headquarters could even set a world precedent by having hikers carry pre-packaged methanol fuel in two-liter containers—each hiker bringing one canister up the mountain. This user-contributed approach could also effectively solve the issue of fuel replenishment. Lastly, the original diesel generators can serve as a second-tier backup power source. With these measures in place, the power supply for Pyi Yun Lodge will surely be worry-free.

Run-of-the-river hydroelectric power is not widely used in Taiwan, and suddenly experimenting with it in the deep mountains is unwise. Moreover, there is no precedent domestically, the technology is limited, and power supply can be unstable during dry seasons. Small-scale wind power systems are also not ideal due to issues such as noise generation, adverse impacts on the landscape, insufficient wind at the lodge’s location, and maintenance difficulties.

Yushan is Taiwan’s highest peak and a source of eternal pride for the Taiwanese people. The power needs of a mountain lodge are critically important—for rescue communications, emergency medical care, meal preparation and lighting, water tank pumping, and even the handling of food waste and human waste left behind by hikers. All of these require a stable power supply. At a time when the public is paying close attention to the issue of Pyi Yun Lodge, the government should demonstrate resolve and seize the opportunity to transform the lodge into a globally renowned high-mountain low-energy building. As mountaineers from around the world gaze in awe at this majestic peak, they will also admire Taiwan’s green energy capabilities and its commitment to the planet, giving a heartfelt thumbs-up and saying “Bravo!”