The Presidential Office has established the "National Climate Change Committee," comprising members from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. While divergent opinions are expected, the president has not imposed any restrictions on the direction of discussions. However, as Taiwan's highest administrative body, the Executive Yuan has affirmed that the country must progress towards a "nuclear-free homeland" in accordance with the law, and discussions on extending the operational life of Nuclear Plant No. 3 are not on the table.
Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that the Executive Yuan aims to implement the country's second energy transition, ensuring a stable and secure power supply while advancing the nuclear-free agenda. To meet the growing electricity demand driven by AI and semiconductor industries, the government plans to add six new gas-fired power plants. Four of these plants will begin operations starting in 2024, with a cumulative net increase of 17.86 million kilowatts in capacity by 2033.
Cho noted that the added capacity will significantly exceed the amount of decommissioned units, ensuring that power supply outpaces projected demand growth. By continuing to develop renewable energy sources and expanding energy storage capabilities, the government aims to ensure a stable power supply. Additionally, the "Power Grid Resilience Enhancement Plan" will be accelerated, with critical projects related to industry and public services in key regions expected to be completed by 2028, four years ahead of schedule, to guarantee stable electricity for both industries and residents.
The development of renewable energy and reduction of carbon emissions are crucial to achieving the "2050 Net-Zero Transition." The Executive Yuan has allocated NT$116.1 billion (approx. US$3.61 billion) in its 2025 budget for the "12 Key Strategic Actions for Net-Zero Transition," a 21.6% increase from the previous period. The government also plans to appoint a "Chief Sustainability Officer" in public departments to work in tandem with the private sector to implement the net-zero transition.
More than half of the Ministry of Economic Affairs' 2025 budget will be dedicated to stabilizing the power supply. The ministry said that the government is focusing on solar and offshore wind power as key development areas, with solar power installations reaching a record high of 2.7 GW in 2023. As of August 2024, 364 offshore wind turbines have been installed, with a total capacity of 2.96 GW, making Taiwan the leading democratic country in Asia and seventh globally in this sector. Offshore wind capacity is expected to reach 5.6 GW by 2026, while solar power installations are forecasted to hit 23 GW by the same year.
Taiwan is also accelerating the development of diverse and forward-looking green energy sources, such as geothermal, small hydropower, and hydrogen energy. A total of 21 geothermal sites are in operation or under development. Following the launch of geothermal plants in Yilan and Taitung, exploration of geothermal energy in Datun Mountain near Taipei will begin in 2024, with the ambitious goal of constructing a mid-sized geothermal power plant by 2030.
