TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau plans to build an eco-science park near Tainan’s Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City, enhancing Taiwan’s tech industry, CNA reported Tuesday.

Proposed by National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文) on Jan. 20, the park will focus on semiconductors, AI, and net-zero technology, per Commercial Times. Cheng added that the park will take an “ecology first,” approach, preserving trees and biodiversity.

Additionally, green spaces, parks, and retention ponds will be established before allocating the remaining areas for industrial use. The NSTC estimates that the new science park will generate an additional NT$1.4 trillion (US$42.6 billion) in output value and create 40,000 job opportunities.

STSP Director General Cheng Hsiu-jung (鄭秀絨) said Tuesday the proposed site covers approximately 500 hectares and is located near Tainan High Speed Rail station in Guiren District, per CNA.

Cheng added that the site has good access to transportation and ample land. Furthermore, research institutions such as Academia Sinica and Industrial Technology Research Institute have established facilities nearby.

Cheng said the park is undergoing a feasibility study, and public feedback will be reviewed before further action is taken.