Every resource counts! Mission and Duties of the S.T.S.P. Reclaimed Water Plant

ECOVE is committed to resource recycling, following the principle of "Every resource counts." To address the global water scarcity issue, ECOVE has broadened its range of services to include the treatment and reuse of wastewater in high-tech industries, along with its existing focus on industrial wastewater and urban sewage treatment. Through innovation and process optimization, ECOVE actively enhances resource recycling efficiency. This article uses the S.T.S.P. Reclaimed Water Plant, operated by ECOVE, the world's pioneering facility in recycling industrial wastewater for reuse in semiconductor manufacturing processes. It explains how the establishment of an environmental education park promotes the idea of water resource recycling and utilization, all while offering a reliable source of reclaimed water for the industry.

Pioneering Milestones in Water Resource Recycling and Utilization

Taiwan receives an average annual rainfall of 2,500 millimeters, 2.6 times the global average. However, due to factors such as steep terrain and fast-flowing waters, uneven regional rainfall distribution, and high population density, the amount of rainfall available per person per year is only 1/5 of the global average. As a result, Taiwan is classified by the United Nations as a water-scarce country. In addition, the impact of extreme weather conditions poses a significant risk and has a profound impact on Taiwan's water scarcity. As a result, the development of diverse water sources has become a critical national policy.

The S.T.S.P. Reclaimed Water Plant is one of the CTCI Group's landmark projects in the global water resource recycling industry. The plant is the first in the world to recycle industrial wastewater for reuse in semiconductor manufacturing processes. The investment, design, and construction of the plant will be undertaken by the Group's parent company, CTCI. In the future, ECOVE's professional technical personnel will take over the operation, and together they will continue to optimize the process through operational adjustments, precision dosing, and other measures to ensure a stable supply of high-quality reclaimed water to the industries in need. At present, the daily water production is 20,000 tons, and it is projected that the total water supply will reach 67,000 tons per day in the future. This not only helps industries reduce their consumption of tap water, but also indirectly relieves water pressure in the greater Tainan area.

The water for the water plant is sourced from the process wastewater of the semiconductor plant and the effluent from the S.T.S.P. combined wastewater treatment plant. It undergoes purification processes including softening, sand filtration, biological treatment, ultrafiltration (UF), and reverse osmosis (RO) units to meet the required quality standards. Subsequently, the treated water is reused as process water.

The CTCI Group has set up the Water-Green-Energy Reclamation Plant at the S.T.S.P. Reclaimed Water Plant with the aim of promoting water resources and environmental education.

Establishing an Environmental Education Learning Park to Promote Water Circular Economy

To raise awareness of reclaimed water resources, the water plant has established an Environmental Education Learning Park and received certification as an environmental education facility, providing high-quality educational services to the public. The course is based on the basic principle of "Green Engineering" established by the CTCI Group and is designed to cover five key teaching themes, including water resource utilization, water reclamation treatment technology, corporate responsibility and cooperation, green engineering, and circular economy issues. Through practical curriculum planning, the course is designed to provide individuals with a deep understanding of the reuse of water resources.

Currently, our factory offers courses tailored to the diverse learning needs of elementary schools, colleges, and adult groups. To date, we have successfully conducted more than 40 sessions with a total of more than 1,200 participants. In the future, we will gradually develop new curriculum plans and related thematic activities, such as the Green Film Festival and Green Market, to meaningfully integrate the learning theme of water resources into daily life. This initiative will strengthen and deepen our local relationships, to establish our factory as a leading model for a comprehensive environmental education park focused on reclaimed water resources in Taiwan.

Developing reclaimed water as an emerging water source is a crucial aspect of ensuring global water resource sustainability. ECOVE is committed to enhancing resource cycling efficiency through technological advancements, leveraging its expertise in the field of water resources, and actively contributing to the sustainable development of the planet.