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Dec 12, 14:25
EU review of zero-emission car policy sparks clash over Europe’s auto future

The European Union's high-stakes climate battle is approaching a decisive moment. The European Commission is preparing to review its 2035 zero-CO2 emissions mandate for new cars, an exercise that was expected to be little more than routine. Instead, Germany's open opposition to a full ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles has turned the process into one of the most politically sensitive fights in Europe's auto industry.

United Microelectronics (UMC) has opened an NT$1.8 billion (approx. US$58 million) circular economy center at its Tainan campus, launching an in-house facility that will convert semiconductor waste into reusable industrial materials as part of the company's long-term sustainability plan.

Yulon Mobility Group (YMG) subsidiaries Carplus and Singan, known for their steady operations in automotive, travel, and vehicle services, are pursuing future strategies centered on ESG and AI.
Benefiting from solid order momentum across its technology and consumer-related business groups, cleanroom electromechanical integrator Acter Group posted consolidated revenue of NT$3.73 billion (US$119.6 million) in November 2025, up 20% year-over-year. Consolidated revenue for the first 11 months of 2025 reached NT$37.43 billion, up 41% year-over-year, with both setting new historical highs for the same period. Facility engineering projects for clients in semiconductors, electronic components, cloud computing, and general consumer sectors have been steadily recognized according to Acter's schedule. Demand for cleanroom upgrades and retrofits in existing factories continues to climb and increase business.
As the end of 2025 approaches, Tesla has returned to the solar market and relaunched its residential solar leasing business. Active across renewable energy, AI, autonomous driving, and robotics, Tesla is making a major push before the Trump administration removes the 30% residential solar tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) at the end of the year. It is betting on an upcoming rush of early purchases.
Taiwan's offshore wind sector has crossed a pivotal threshold as Walsin Energy Cable System (WECS), a subsidiary of Walsin Lihwa Group, has officially inaugurated its submarine cable plant in Kaohsiung. The launch completes the last major segment of the nation's offshore wind supply chain—spanning turbines, underwater foundations, and maritime engineering—now fully integrated with domestic submarine cable production.
Cica-Huntek Chemical Technology, a joint venture between Japan's Kanto Chemical and Huntek Systems, has entered the TSMC supply chain. The company has benefited from Kanto Chemical's long-standing cooperation with TSMC and its deep expertise in chemical supply systems, securing orders for TSMC's AP8 fab and its Kumamoto facility in Japan.
Taiwan's major castings supplier Yeong Guan Energy Technology Group, a key producer of components for wind turbines, machine tools, and heavy industrial equipment, is deepening its presence in China's rapidly expanding wind power market while advancing its Southeast Asia strategy. The company is set to complete its new Thailand plant by late 2025, with mass production scheduled to begin in 2026.
J&V Energy Technology's subsidiary Greenet, Taiwan's leading green electricity retailer, officially launched a 20-year green power wheeling agreement with telecommunications giant Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) on December 5, 2025. The deal runs from 2027 to 2047, with a total volume of 4.6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), marking CHT's largest green energy partnership to date and establishing a benchmark for net-zero transformation in Taiwan's ICT industry.
Taiwan's escalating electricity supply challenges have sparked a sharp rise in demand for home energy storage solutions, with orders for Tesla's Powerwall reportedly tripling in 2025. Consumers and businesses alike are turning to residential battery systems as grid instability and outages increasingly disrupt daily life and operations.
Facing intensifying carbon-reduction pressures, traditional steelmaker POSCO Holdings has partnered with South Korean high-temperature water electrolysis firm Enforus to accelerate the domestic development of viable clean hydrogen production. Enforus aims to leverage advanced solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) technologies to meet rising market demands over the coming decade.
Taiwan's carbon fee system will officially launch in 2026, requiring companies with annual emissions exceeding 25,000 tonnes to start paying fees based on 2025 emission data. Regulatory details are nearly finalized, with only the "high carbon leakage risk" business review criteria still pending and expected by year-end.