Taipei: Former President Tsai Ing-wen’s office has firmly denied any involvement in renewable energy projects during her tenure. This statement comes in response to allegations by the Kuomintang (KMT) regarding Tsai’s purported endorsement of a company involved in offshore floating solar systems prior to her assuming office in 2016.

According to Focus Taiwan, KMT Taipei City Councilor Chang Szu-kang and party spokesperson Crystal Yang expressed concerns at a press conference about potential irregularities in a solar energy project in Pingtung, managed by Sun Rise E and T Corp. The controversy arose after the floating solar platform was destroyed by Typhoon Danas, despite having received over NT$100 million in government subsidies.

Yang argued that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had been a proponent of floating solar energy since Tsai’s leadership began. She referenced past reports suggesting a private meeting between Tsai and Sun Rise E and T Chairman Tung Chi-hsu before the 2016 election. Additionally, Yang noted Tung’s connections to the DPP, including endorsements from former Pingtung officials Tsao Chi-hung and Pan Men-an, who had ties to the company.

In response, Tsai’s spokesperson, Tsai Shu-ching, released a statement accusing the KMT of exploiting the typhoon incident to undermine Tsai’s legacy. The statement clarified that the project received standard subsidies from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, aimed at fostering energy technology development. It also emphasized Tsai’s commitment to renewable energy initiatives without influencing specific projects.

Moreover, the statement refuted the existence of any meeting between Tsai and the business operator, dismissing it as unfounded.