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Energy Taiwan 2018 kicked off on September 19. President Tsai Ing-wen stated that the future development of Taiwan renewable energy is optimistic. When Taiwan’s economy develops, the government will absolutely ensure environment protection and sustainability. When the Taiwanese government is pushing a nuclear-free homeland policy, it is making sure that there is sufficient electricity supply. There is no need to worry that renewable energy growth is not fast enough. Solar energy installation is one of the most rapidly growing renewable energy categories in Taiwan. In 2017, PV energy installation went up by 140% year over year. In 2018, the peak power generation of the solar plants has surpassed that of a single nuclear power plant for several times.
Tsai pointed out that renewable energy ensures a bright future. The government will focus on four aspects of renewable energy: power generation, energy saving, energy storage, and smart system, in order to develop renewable energy generation.
Some industry and commerce groups, such as Chinese National Federation of Industries, have criticized that renewable energy installations have not progressed fast enough. Tsai emphasized that there is no need to worry. With the cooperated effort among the central government, local governments, and private sectors, actions and facts can increase the Taiwanese society's confidence and acknowledgement of renewable energy. Based on current installation progress, Tsai is very confident that total solar energy installation will exceed 20 GW by 2025.
Tsai explained that offshore wind power will become the new force of renewable energy in Taiwan. Taiwan has the best wind farm potential in the world, for both onshore and off shore. The government has selected many domestic and international developers by a bidding system.
The government will lead the integration and cooperation of the domestic offshore wind power industry chain. Currently, industry giants, such as China Steel and CSBC Corporation, are leading wind energy industry. They help domestic companies to build technology capability and cultivate local talents of offshore wind power industry. The 5.5GW goal of offshore wind power installation is expected to be achieved by 2025.
(Photo credit: Tsai Ing-wen's Facebook)