Just Flow: The 2019 Taiwan Power Cultural Heritage Special Exhibition

Text by / Scenic Spots Family Compilation & Report
 
Taiwan’s early power supply depended on hydroelectric power. In 1919, construction began on the Sun Moon Lake Hydroelectric Project. When it was completed, its groundbreaking total installed capacity connected Taiwan’s western region from north to south, making it the beating heart of Taiwan’s electricity supply. Over the past century, hydroelectric power has been planned and developed in response to the economic construction and civilian needs of each era, playing an important role in Taiwan’s modernization process and thriving together with the island. Dedicated to preserving and archiving precious cultural relics and historical materials, Taipower specially curated the “Just Flow” exhibition themed around “hydroelectric power,” aiming to allow the public to experience firsthand how hydroelectric power—just like the development of railways and highways—has been a key link in the prosperity of this island.

Five-Sense Experience: Become a Water Molecule and Feel the Immersion of Hydroelectric Power

Looking back at Taiwan’s power generation history, it is actually a tremendous force driven by countless trickles of water. This exhibition specially invited design and integration experts, Teachers Hsu Che-yu and Kuo Chung-yuan from the Cultural and Creative Center of Ling Tung University, to serve as exhibition curators, enabling the public to experience the exhibition firsthand through an immersive visit.

As soon as you enter the exhibition hall, the visual effects inspired by large-scale hydroelectric generating unit installations immediately catch your eye. The usually unseen star of hydroelectric power—the rotating “runner”—is actually brought into the exhibition space, providing an immersive experience. The exhibition content vividly portrays the history, principles, and types of hydroelectric power, along with introductions to power plants and related experiences, all through engaging five-sense interactions. Of course, the exhibition is not just about providing knowledge about hydroelectric power; another major highlight is transforming the most important component of run-of-river power generation—the penstock—into a large-scale play structure, allowing everyone to become water molecules and truly understand the ingenious equation between water and electricity.

History enthusiasts can also appreciate the beauty of memories preserved through the chronological arrangement of objects in the exhibition area. These 100 essential measuring instruments and components for hydroelectric power across different eras were painstakingly collected, offering insights into the subtle changes Taipower has undergone alongside the times while maintaining its commitment.

Portrait Highlights: Understanding the Unyielding Dedication of Workers

The success of hydroelectric power is largely thanks to the workers who overcame rugged terrain, traveled through forests and mountains, and built one mechanical base after another. Thanks to their hard work, Taiwan was illuminated across the entire island, industry was developed, and a solid foundation for living standards was established.