TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – An environmental review meeting decided to give a green light to a power plant project for Taiwan’s north coast following a day of clashes between supporters and opponents Wednesday.

The vote in favor of the project saw all 17 review committee members cast their ballots in support, per UDN. The result was in marked contrast to the meeting earlier in the day, when dozens of activists became entangled in pushing and shoving.

The main part of the energy plan was a Taiwan Power Company project to convert a coal and oil-fired power plant in Keelung to natural gas, with the added construction of a natural gas receiving station on the coast.

Opponents said it would damage the environment and pose a danger to shipping. However, supporters maintain it is essential to provide cleaner energy to boost the economy of north Taiwan.

Following several defeats of earlier environmental reviews, the size of the original proposal was scaled down to 14.5 hectares from 29.8 ha, while the gas receiving station will be built on reclaimed land.

The committee passed the latest version during a two-hour closed-door discussion Wednesday. It reportedly also approved requirements to closely and frequently monitor groundwater pollution data.