Taiwan's green expo showcases innovations to promote green living
By Channel NewsAsia's Taiwan Correspondent Christina Lo | Posted: 04 November 2009 0111 hrs

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TAIPEI : Inventors in Taiwan are showing how green living can be possible, without giving up daily conveniences.

They have come up with a washing machine that does not use water, and a cooking stove that does not need gas.

These and other innovations were on display at Taiwan's first Green Industry Expo, held from October 21-24.

The water-powered stove - a world's first - saves both energy and money, making it hugely popular among catering companies in Taiwan.

"Water produces hydrogen and oxygen. The stove consumes 1,000 cc of water per hour, costing 10 cents. Traditionally, we use gas costing US$7.50 per hour. But now with the stove, we need another 10 cents to power the process. So it's much cheaper," said Henry Lin, GM of Green Energy Division at Wonten Tech Company.

Over 150 manufacturers are showing off their latest energy-saving technologies at the Green Expo.

Most are appliances that can be used in daily living, like the water-less washing machine. Instead of detergent and water, it uses liquefied carbon dioxide for cleaning.

This Taiwanese invention has already been adopted by a number of laundry factories in Europe and the US.

"We use CO2 to replace water and detergent. It's eco-friendly. Over 95 per cent of carbon dioxide can be used again... It saves water and electricity use, and there's no pollution," said Dr Chiu Yung-Ho, Taiwan Supercritical Technology Company.

Other eye-catching innovations include a water-free urinal, electric bicycles and a solar-powered yacht.

The Taiwanese government has just approved the imposition of green taxes on energy and carbon-dioxide emission. Although the time frame has yet to be set, the public are already concerned about rising oil prices.

On the other hand, the green industry is seeing more opportunities.

"Traditionally, one degree of electricity uses up lots of coal and fuel, or you need certain amount of wind and solar light to generate power. We don't need that now," said Dr Chong Kuo-Cheng from A. Solares High Tech Company.

Taiwan is already seen as a world leader in products that save energy and reduce pollution. Analysts said that by 2015, the island's green industry will generate up to US$47 billion in revenue. - CNA /ls