Historical development and heritage significance of hydropower plants in Taiwan

In 2025, Taiwan marks 120 years since the advent of hydropower and the lighting of the first bulb powered by hydroelectricity. Drawing on 15 years of on-site surveillance and mapping, this study provides a comprehensive account of the historical progress, industrial heritage significance, and socioeconomic impact of hydropower plants in Taiwan from the early 20th century to the present, making it the first comprehensive study of hydropower on the island. The high mountainous landscape, dense river networks with high heads and steep valleys, and abundant annual rainfall have made Taiwan an ideal location for hydropower generation, which has become essential to the island’s shift toward rapid industrialization and the overall development of its energy infrastructure. This study traces the evolution of Taiwan’s hydropower and describes the introduction of critical hydraulic cascades alongside design and construction innovations, difficulties, and operational achievements. By investigating national and local libraries and archival repositories, conducting technical analysis, on-site surveillance, excavation, three-dimensional reconstructions, and policy reviews, the study documents the transition from Japanese Imperial era (1868–1947) infrastructure to modern energy strategies, emphasizing how historical hydropower plants have shaped Taiwan’s energy landscape. The conclusion highlights the importance of conserving these engineering legacies while learning from their mistakes and adapting them for sustainable energy futures in the face of changing environmental and technological contexts.