Over the past 12 months, from August 2024 to July 2025, the state of electricity consumption in the Republic of China (Taiwan) has relied heavily on fossil fuels. More than 80% of its electricity comes from fossil energy sources, with gas contributing almost half and coal providing over a third. Clean energy, despite its importance in reducing climate change impacts, accounts for just under 16% of Taiwan's electricity. Within this low-carbon slice, solar and wind each contribute around 5% and 4% respectively, with hydropower and nuclear energy just below 3% and 2%. Oil and unspecified renewables offer an even smaller contribution, both close to or just above 1%.
Is Electricity Growing in Republic of China (Taiwan)?
Regarding the growth in electricity consumption per resident in Taiwan, the recent data indicates a slight decline. The total electricity consumption per resident stood at approximately 12,398 kWh last year, which is a reduction compared to 2024's record of 12,443 kWh per capita. The recent low-carbon electricity generation is also witnessing a downturn, with just 1,956 kWh per person last year compared to the record high of 2,378 kWh per person in 2013. This pattern of decline, both overall and in clean energy, suggests a pressing need for strategies to boost Taiwan’s sustainable electricity sources amidst growing energy demands.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity production in Taiwan, learning from the success of other regions is crucial. Prominent examples include France and Slovakia, where nuclear power makes up about two-thirds of the electricity mix, showcasing a strong potential for reliability and low emissions. Furthermore, Denmark and Iowa are excellent representations of how wind energy can play a significant role, constituting 57% and 62% of their electricity, respectively. Taiwan could benefit from increasing its reliance on both nuclear and solar energy. Solar, in particular, has immense potential in Taiwan’s climate and can learn from regions like Lebanon, where solar accounts for almost a third of electricity.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Taiwan reflects an initial strong growth, especially for nuclear power. From the early 1980s, nuclear electricity generation experienced significant increases, peaking with consistent growth in the mid-1980s. However, starting in the early 2000s and accelerating through the past decade, nuclear generation has largely faced declines, with substantial reductions in output recorded since 2015. Conversely, in 2024, Taiwan saw a notable rise in wind energy generation, adding a fresh momentum towards diversifying low-carbon energy sources. Nonetheless, sustained efforts and investments are needed, particularly toward expanding solar and nuclear, to overcome the setbacks of recent declines and push toward a sustainable energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.