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

Between September 2023 and August 2024, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has heavily relied on fossil sources for electricity generation, with more than four-fifths (about 83%) of its electricity derived from fossil fuels. The breakdown shows that natural gas and coal are almost equally significant contributors, with gas at just over 41% and coal at about 40%. Oil plays a very minor role in the energy mix, representing close to none with just 1.42%. On the clean energy side, low-carbon sources account for roughly 17% of Taiwan's electricity, with nuclear power being the most prominent, contributing nearly 6%. Solar energy provides just over 5%, while wind contributes around 3%, and hydropower adds roughly 3%. The reliance on unspecified renewables is negligible at about 1%. Clearly, Taiwan has a significant opportunity to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation.

Suggestions

To bolster its clean energy output, Taiwan could take inspiration from countries with successful low-carbon energy strategies. For instance, Taiwan might look at France and Slovakia, where nuclear power respectively accounts for an impressive 67% and 60% of electricity generation. Similarly, South Korea, which is geographically and economically comparable to Taiwan, generates 31% of its electricity from nuclear sources. Denmark and Uruguay provide excellent examples of how wind energy can be harnessed effectively, contributing 59% and 36% respectively. Likewise, countries like Greece and Chile excel in solar energy, each generating over 20% of their electricity through solar power. Taiwan could adopt similar strategies to increase investments and improvements in these areas of nuclear, wind, and solar technologies, which would result in a significant reduction in reliance on fossil fuels, bringing about environmental and public health benefits along the way.

History

Historically, Taiwan has experienced fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity development, especially in nuclear energy. In the 1980s, Taiwan significantly boosted its nuclear energy generation, seeing steady increases such as 6 TWh in 1983 and 1987. However, the early 21st century saw a decline, with a significant drop of 3 TWh in 2001 and an even larger reduction in 2015-2017, aggregating to nearly 20 TWh. In recent years, efforts to regain momentum have been evident, with positive changes like a 5.2 TWh increase in 2018. Yet challenges remain, as signaled by declines in 2021 and 2023. Fortunately, Taiwan is also diversifying its low-carbon portfolio with solar and wind gaining ground, seen with the growth of solar power by 2.7 TWh in 2022 and wind by the same amount in 2023. Boosting further investments in both established nuclear capacity and emerging solar and wind technologies would pave a solid path toward a sustainable and cleaner energy future for Taiwan.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources