Electricity in Republic of China (Taiwan) in 2023/2024

The latest data on electricity consumption in the Republic of China (Taiwan) covering the period from August 2023 to July 2024 reveals a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. More than half, about 83%, of the electricity is generated from fossil sources, with natural gas and coal each contributing approximately 40%. In contrast, low-carbon electricity sources form only about 17% of the total, with nuclear, solar, wind, and hydropower contributing minor fractions. Nuclear power provides almost 6%, while solar, wind, and hydropower collectively add up to around 10%. Fossil fuels continue to dominate electricity generation in Taiwan, highlighting the urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable sources.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Taiwan can learn from countries that have successfully incorporated significant portions of nuclear, wind, and solar energy into their electricity grids. For example, France and Slovakia both generate more than 40% of their electricity from nuclear power, showcasing the potential of this stable and low-carbon source. In terms of wind energy, Denmark and Ireland are exemplary, with over 30% of their electricity generated from wind. Implementing policies akin to those in these countries—such as investing in nuclear infrastructure and taking advantage of Taiwan's coastal winds for wind power—could substantially increase the share of low-carbon energy in Taiwan's electricity mix.

History

Historically, Taiwan's low-carbon electricity landscape has seen several phases of growth and decline, especially in nuclear power. During the early 1980s, the country saw significant increases in nuclear generation, with considerable expansions in 1982, 1983, and 1984. However, this trend was not consistent; there were notable reductions in nuclear power generation in the early 2000s and again during the mid-2010s, especially in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Despite some recovery in 2018 and 2019, recent years have seen another downturn in nuclear energy contributions. Interestingly, there have been gains in other low-carbon sources like solar and wind, with significant expansions in the last few years, particularly in 2022 and 2023. If Taiwan is to build a sustainable and resilient electricity system, it must learn from past fluctuations and commit to a consistent and expanding investment in low-carbon technologies.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources