An Analysis of Shifting to a Low-carbon Society Through Energy Policies and Promotion Measures in Taiwan

Taiwan has set a target of reducing its carbon emissions to the 2000 level by 2025. At that time, over 20% of the electricity will be generated from low-carbon energy sources. The objectives of this article are to give a comprehensive analysis of the energy consumption and CO2 emissions in Taiwan, and the governmental policies and regulatory infrastructure for shifting to a low-carbon society. This article thus centers on feasible solutions with renewable energy, energy efficiency, and nuclear power. The updated information on renewable energy production and energy intensity is also addressed and analyzed to imply the progress towards energy sustainability during 2000-2009. Notably, the total amount of electricity generation from wind and photovoltaic (PV) power significantly increased from 1,503 MWh in 2000 to 794,668 MWh in 2009. The energy intensity also is revealed to be on a decreasing trend during the period. This country is advancing toward a low-carbon economy in the near future.