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

In the past year, from November 2023 to October 2024, the electricity consumption in the Republic of China (Taiwan) has relied heavily on fossil fuels, which account for a substantial 83% of the total electricity generation. This includes gas and coal, which individually contribute more than 40% and almost 40%, respectively. In stark contrast, low-carbon energy sources, which are crucial for reducing emissions and combating climate change, constitute nearly 17% of the electricity mix. Solar and nuclear power are the most significant contributors within the clean energy category, each providing roughly 5% of the electricity. Wind and hydropower are also part of the low-carbon portfolio, delivering approximately 3% and 2.5% respectively. A very small portion of energy, close to none, stems from oil and unspecified renewables, totaling just over 2.5%.

Suggestions

Taiwan can look to expand its low-carbon electricity generation by drawing inspiration from nations that have successfully increased their share of green energy. France, for example, significantly leverages nuclear power to supply 68% of its electricity, showcasing nuclear energy's potential to provide reliable and substantial clean energy. Similarly, South Korea generates about 31% of its electricity through nuclear sources, providing a closer geographical and cultural reference point for Taiwan. For wind energy, Denmark stands as an exemplar with a remarkable 59% of its electricity generated from wind, demonstrating the viability and effectiveness of wind farms. Hence, Taiwan should seriously consider expanding its nuclear and wind capacities based on proven international strategies, which could help reduce its reliance on fossil fuels substantially.

History

Historically, Taiwan's journey into low-carbon electricity has seen numerous fluctuations. During the early 1980s, the country experienced a surge in nuclear power generation, adding a consistent increase each year until 1990. However, the 21st century marked inconsistent progress, notably with significant declines in nuclear generation in 2001, 2015, and 2017, including a notable drop of nearly 10 TWh in 2017 alone. Despite intermittent advancements in nuclear electricity, such as brief upturns in 2018 and 2019, recent years have seen a continuation of this declining trend, with reductions in both 2023 and 2024. Solar energy, on the other hand, started showing promise in 2022 with a 2.7 TWh increase, signifying a potential area for growth alongside wind energy to complement nuclear avenues in achieving a cleaner energy portfolio for Taiwan.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources