Over the past year, from May 2025 to April 2026, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has primarily relied on fossil fuels for its electricity needs. More than half of the electricity generated, approximately 85%, is sourced from fossil fuels, with gas contributing about half of that and coal around a third. Low-carbon electricity, which includes solar, wind, and hydropower, makes up just over 14% of the total. Solar power is the leading clean energy source at around 6%, followed by wind at about 4%, and hydroelectric power at almost 3%. With a very small fraction of electricity derived from oil and unspecified renewables, Taiwan currently faces a significant challenge in transitioning to a more sustainable mix of energy sources.

Is Electricity Growing in Republic of China (Taiwan)?

Taiwan’s electricity consumption has shown a slight upward trend, growing from its previous record of 12,518 kilowatt-hours per person in 2025 to 12,595 in 2026. This increase, while marginal, is a positive sign of increased access and usage, likely driven by economic growth and technological advancements requiring more energy. However, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a noticeable decline from earlier heights, with the latest figure at 1,822 kWh per person, a decrease from the previous high of 2,378 kWh in 2013. This reduction is a concerning indication that Taiwan has not expanded its low-carbon generation capacity in line with its overall consumption growth.

Suggestions

To reverse this trend and increase low-carbon electricity generation, the Republic of China (Taiwan) can draw inspiration from regions that have successfully utilized solar, wind, and nuclear energy. Countries like France and South Korea show the potential of nuclear energy, where it's responsible for a significant portion of their electricity mix. Solar energy can be bolstered by examining the approaches taken by Nevada and California, where solar power contributes significantly to the energy grid. By strategically investing in and deploying nuclear and solar energy infrastructure, Taiwan can both diversify and clean its energy supply, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing its carbon footprint.

History

Historically, Taiwan has seen fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation. In the 1980s and early 1990s, there were periods of growth, particularly in nuclear generation. However, from the early 2000s onwards, nuclear energy has experienced declines, notably after 2015, with significant reductions continuing into 2025. Despite occasional increases in other low-carbon sources like wind, these declines point to an underutilized potential for nuclear energy, an opportunity Taiwan can harness to foster sustainable and reliable energy production. By learning from global best practices and prioritizing both existing and new low-carbon technologies, Taiwan can create a robust and environmentally friendly electricity system.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (May 2025 – Apr 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.