Taipei, Taiwan — In a significant statement on Taiwan’s energy future, Academia Sinica President James Liao (廖俊智) has called for nuclear power to remain a key component of the country’s strategy to meet its ambitious 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target. Liao made these remarks on Monday during a legislative hearing, responding to questions about Taiwan’s clean energy transition from opposition lawmakers.
Liao emphasized that the challenge of cutting carbon emissions and achieving net-zero goals by 2050 is immense, not only for Taiwan but for all countries. He argued that Taiwan, in particular, should not exclude any clean energy sources or technologies, including nuclear energy, geothermal power, and methane pyrolysis, a relatively clean process for producing hydrogen from methane.
Nuclear Power: A Controversial but Feasible Option for Taiwan’s Clean Energy Transition
Nuclear power has long been a contentious issue in Taiwan, with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) aiming to phase it out by 2025 as part of a broader shift to renewable energy. However, the push for phasing out nuclear energy has resulted in a substantial reliance on fossil fuels, which now account for the majority of Taiwan’s energy mix.
During the hearing, Liao stressed that nuclear power could still play a crucial role in Taiwan’s energy landscape, provided new technologies are applied to enhance safety and infrastructure. This includes upgrading the safety measures of nuclear plants, especially those located in seismic zones. Liao echoed a suggestion by lawmaker Wan Mei-ling (萬美玲), who argued that nuclear energy should be included in Taiwan’s clean energy development, but with significant safety upgrades.
“Technologically, all these options are feasible,” Liao asserted, referring to the various energy technologies that Taiwan should explore in its pursuit of sustainability.
Taiwan’s Current Energy Mix and Challenges
Liao’s remarks come at a critical time when Taiwan is grappling with the realities of its energy transition. In the first nine months of 2024, renewable energy accounted for only 10.5% of Taiwan’s total electricity generation, which is still far below the government’s 20% renewable energy target for 2025. Despite significant investment in solar power, wind energy, and other green technologies, fossil fuels still made up a dominant 83.4% of Taiwan’s electricity generation.
The decision to phase out nuclear power — which contributed over 16% of Taiwan’s electricity generation as recently as 2014 — has created a gap in the country’s energy supply. As a result, Taiwan has been forced to increase its reliance on coal, natural gas, and oil, making it harder to achieve its ambitious climate goals.
Liao also noted the rising importance of small modular reactors (SMRs), which are emerging as a potentially safer and more flexible alternative to traditional nuclear reactors. These reactors could offer a path for Taiwan to integrate nuclear energy safely while minimizing the risks associated with larger reactors.
The Role of Geothermal Energy and Methane Pyrolysis
In addition to nuclear power, Liao highlighted geothermal energy and methane pyrolysis as viable options for Taiwan’s clean energy transition. Geothermal power has long been seen as an untapped resource, particularly in areas with significant volcanic activity, such as Taiwan’s eastern regions. By investing in the exploration and development of this resource, Taiwan could diversify its clean energy portfolio.
Similarly, methane pyrolysis, which produces hydrogen in a cleaner, more efficient way than conventional methods, could be a game-changer for Taiwan’s energy needs. The ability to produce hydrogen with lower carbon emissions would support both Taiwan’s energy transition and its growing hydrogen economy.
Implications of Global Climate Commitments
Beyond Taiwan’s internal energy policies, Liao also addressed the potential consequences of global climate challenges, particularly the impact of a possible U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement. If the United States were to withdraw from the agreement, it would significantly undermine global efforts to achieve the 2050 net-zero target.
“Such a move would be a blow to international climate efforts, and the global community would have to react swiftly,” Liao said, stressing the importance of maintaining strong international commitments to climate action.
Key Takeaways: Taiwan’s Energy Future
- Nuclear Power: Liao calls for nuclear power to remain a part of Taiwan’s clean energy future, with an emphasis on safety upgrades and new technologies.
- Renewable Energy: Despite investments, Taiwan’s renewable energy capacity remains below its 2025 target, with a reliance on fossil fuels.
- Alternative Energy: Geothermal energy and methane pyrolysis are emerging as clean energy options that could complement Taiwan’s energy strategy.
- Global Climate Leadership: Taiwan’s efforts toward net-zero emissions could be impacted by global political decisions, particularly regarding the Paris Agreement.
FAQ: Nuclear Power and Taiwan’s Energy Transition
1. Why is nuclear power a controversial topic in Taiwan?
Nuclear power has been a controversial topic due to safety concerns, particularly after Taiwan’s 1999 Chi-Chi Earthquake. The DPP government has committed to phasing out nuclear power by 2025 in favor of renewable energy.
2. How feasible is nuclear power for Taiwan’s energy needs?
According to Academia Sinica President James Liao, nuclear power remains technologically feasible and could be a valuable part of Taiwan’s clean energy strategy if safety and infrastructure are upgraded.
3. What other clean energy options are Taiwan exploring?
Besides nuclear power, Taiwan is focusing on geothermal energy, wind power, solar energy, and methane pyrolysis for producing clean hydrogen.
4. What is the current state of Taiwan’s energy mix?
In the first nine months of 2024, renewable energy made up only 10.5% of Taiwan’s electricity generation, while fossil fuels accounted for 83.4%.
5. What impact would a U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement have on Taiwan’s climate goals?
Liao warned that a U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement would significantly hinder global efforts to meet 2050 net-zero carbon goals, and Taiwan would need to adapt to this shift in international climate policy.
Conclusion: Striking a Balance for Taiwan’s Clean Energy Future
As Taiwan aims for a net-zero carbon future, the role of nuclear power remains a key point of debate. While renewable energy continues to grow, Taiwan faces significant challenges in achieving its climate goals without relying on a diverse set of energy sources, including nuclear power, geothermal energy, and hydrogen technologies. Academia Sinica President James Liao’s comments underscore the importance of maintaining flexibility in Taiwan’s energy strategy to ensure a sustainable, low-carbon future.
