Electricity in Republic of China (Taiwan) in 2024
As of 2024, Taiwan's electricity consumption is predominantly driven by fossil fuels, accounting for a significant 83% of its total electricity generation. Breaking it down further, natural gas and coal are the main contributors, providing approximately 42% and 39% of the electricity, respectively. Meanwhile, the role of low-carbon energy sources remains minimal, contributing only around 17% to the overall electricity mix. Among these, solar holds the largest share at about 5%, followed by nuclear energy at a bit over 4%, and wind energy close behind at nearly 4%. Hydropower and other sources contribute relatively small proportions. This substantial reliance on fossil fuels presents various challenges, including heightened greenhouse gas emissions and increased air pollution, necessitating a stronger push towards cleaner energy sources for a more sustainable future.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Taiwan could take valuable insights from several countries that have successfully increased their low-carbon energy output. Immediate opportunities lie in expanding both nuclear and wind energy capacities. Observing international practices, France, Slovakia, and Ukraine have set notable examples by deriving major portions of their electricity from nuclear power, showcasing nuclear’s capacity as a reliable low-carbon energy source. Denmark, having successfully developed a strongwind energy infrastructure, generates more than half of its electricity from wind, paving a path that Taiwan could potentially replicate given its geographical advantages. Furthermore, smaller but effective strategies include enhancing solar capacity, akin to the pathways explored by countries such as Lebanon and Chile. This multifaceted approach, by harnessing the benefits of tried-and-tested experiences, can drive Taiwan towards a cleaner, more sustainable electricity landscape.
History
Historically, Taiwan experienced significant fluctuations in its nuclear electricity generation. The 1980s marked a period of growth for nuclear energy, with substantial yearly increases, leading up to 1990 when the expansion rate began to stabilize. However, the 21st century has seen inconsistent development, with considerable reductions in nuclear output in recent years. The setbacks, especially pronounced from 2015 onwards, saw declining nuclear contributions which reflected a deviation from global trends emphasizing nuclear as a viable green energy alternative. On a brighter note, the recent decade has brought noteworthy advancements in wind and solar electricity. Notably, in 2022, solar production increased by nearly 3 terawatt-hours, and in 2024, wind energy saw a noteworthy rise by over 4 terawatt-hours. These developments signal an encouraging stride towards embracing a more diversified and low-carbon-centric electricity mix in the future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.