A set of energy management guidelines requiring large-scale investment projects to undergo energy use assessment is expected to be implemented by the start of next year, Minister of Economic Affairs Shih Yen-shiang said August 22.
The draft regulations, aimed at spurring more efficient use of energy and reducing carbon emissions, have already been sent to the Executive Yuan for review and are likely to be passed by year-end, Shih said.
He noted that according to the Energy Management Act, the MOEA Bureau of Energy is authorized to formulate energy development guidelines covering “stable and secure supply, efficient use and a clean environment,” for the use of government agencies in mapping out development strategies and directions.
The guidelines will encompass supply, demand and systems in the energy chain, helping to ensure stable energy supplies and maintain reasonable prices, Shih explained.
Rules for the energy use assessment of large-scale investment projects will be finalized after the Executive Yuan passes the guidelines, he added.
The guidelines will establish a quota for the nation’s total energy supply based on demand, divided according to region and time period.
Investment projects entailing energy consumption in excess of 200 million kilowatt-hours per year will have to undergo the evaluation, and will not be approved if they exceed regional supply capacity, Shih said.
In addition, the government plans to map out energy efficiency standards and management initiatives for high energy-consuming industries such as cement, steel, papermaking and textiles, Shih said.
