TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Alpha Optical has overhauled its energy infrastructure with high-efficiency upgrades, part of a broader push that earned the company a national energy award.

“Many have come to observe,” factory section chief Chen Heng-chang (陳恒常) said as he pointed to the humming cooling towers and chilled water pumps retrofitted with variable-frequency controls, per CNA.

Founded in 2007, Alpha Optical specializes in optical-grade and high-temperature process protection films used to shield glass and metal surfaces. These materials protect sensitive goods during manufacturing, transport, and storage, especially for electronics clients.

Last year, Alpha Optical received its second Gold Award from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, following a detailed internal energy audit led by Chen and his team.

However, upgrading production standards to meet the electronics industry demands came with soaring energy bills – over NT$1 million (US$34,000) a month, Chen said. That high power use has become a serious burden for a mid-sized manufacturer still working to stabilize operations.

Chen, who joined the company 13 years ago, led its energy-saving push. With most of the factory’s operations inside cleanrooms requiring strict climate control, power demand is intense, he explained. The company adopted eco-friendly designs and reevaluated its energy use.

In 2023, Alpha Optical upgraded its air-conditioning systems with high-efficiency equipment and added variable-frequency drives to chillers, cooling tower fans, and water pumps. By lowering compressor capacity and startup current, the company saved about 80,000 kWh of electricity annually.

Chen said the compressor’s operating frequency dropped from 96.3% to 91.5%, saving another 30,000 kWh per year. The plant also switched to LED lighting with dual modes for work and idle hours.

Looking ahead, Chen said plans are underway to build a smart energy management system for the entire plant, incorporating AI technology. “When we have an idea, we act on it,” Chen said. “We will keep pushing forward.”