Energy Technology Outlook for Net Zero Emissions in Taiwan
2025-01-23
Energy Technology Outlook for Net Zero Emissions in Taiwan | President James C. Liao
At the Forum on Sustainable Electricity and Fuels on December 18, 2024, Academia Sinica President James C. Liao discussed Taiwan's unique challenges in achieving net-zero emissions and explored potential energy technologies to support its transition toward a low-carbon future.
President Liao emphasized that while climate change is a global issue, energy policies must reflect local circumstances. In Taiwan, energy use accounts for 91% of greenhouse gas emissions, with electricity contributing nearly 60%, largely due to energy-intensive manufacturing industries.
Given Taiwan's limited land resources, expanding solar and wind power alone cannot meet its growing electricity needs. Annual electricity demand could increase from 280 to 500 terawatt-hours (TWh) due to electrification, data centers, and other emerging demands.
To address these challenges, President Liao outlined several technological pathways, including methane pyrolysis for hydrogen production, deep geothermal energy, ocean current energy, nuclear power, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and imported hydrogen and ammonia.
The lecture highlighted the importance of diversifying low-carbon energy technologies and developing practical solutions tailored to Taiwan's geographical and industrial conditions to advance its net-zero transition.
