Taiwan continues to progress on energy saving and expanding renewable energy sources, in line with the government’s sustainable development guidelines for green energy and reducing carbon emissions, according to the ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs April 23.
The ministry is promoting an optimal energy mix that it hopes will include 10 percent of energy sourced from renewable sources by 2030. Implementing energy saving measures and industrial reform and upgrade is projected to produce an additional 2 per cent annual increase in energy efficiency.
Regarding recent talks on retiring nuclear power stations in Taiwan, the MOEA said the government’s policy has always been to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities and gradually reduce reliance on this energy source.
Given the demands of economic growth, industry and people’s livelihood, Lungmen Nuclear Power Plant—still under construction in New Taipei City’s Gongliao District—remains the most reliable source of base-load power for the foreseeable future, the ministry said, adding that the facility will only be allowed to operate under assurances of maximum safety.
To reduce dependence on nuclear power, the government has introduced multiple measures to enhance energy supply efficiency, including renewal of existing power facilities and implementation of the smart grid master plan enacted in 2012, according to the ministry.
In addition, based on the Renewable Energy Development Act of 2009, a diversified range of green power initiatives has been implemented, the MOEA said. Renewable energy generating capacity grew nearly 25 pervcent year on year to 3.8 gigawatts in 2013, and is projected to reach 13.8 gigawatts in 2030, the ministry added.
The government has also sought to raise green productivity and cut energy consumption through the development of information communication technology for energy systems; light-emitting diode, or LED, lighting; solar photovoltaic and wind power industries. These sectors are estimated to generate an annual production value of NT$1 trillion (US$32.9 billion) while employing 110,000 people in 2020, according to the MOEA.
At present, alternative energy sources such as solar and wind farms are incapable of maintaining a stable power supply in Taiwan, the ministry said. Gradually reducing reliance on nuclear power by continuously expanding renewable energy sources will not only safeguard Taiwan’s energy security, but ensure the health of the economy and livelihood of the people, the MOEA said.
