Misunderstanding Addressed
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) of Taiwan has denied a report indicating that Nvidia Corp., the U.S.-based AI chip designer, requested 10 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power to facilitate new investments in the country. This clarification came following discussions surrounding Nvidia’s ongoing projects in Taiwan, which the MOEA insists are progressing smoothly.
Clarification from the MOEA
In a statement released on Sunday, the MOEA emphasized that it had reached out to Nvidia, which confirmed it has no plans to purchase the reported volume of green energy for any upcoming investment initiatives in Taiwan. The ministry’s assertion counters claims made during a recent legislative hearing that sparked considerable debate.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Nvidia Corp. |
| Reported Request | 10 billion kWh of green power |
| MOEA’s Stance | No such request was made |
| Current Projects | R&D center and AI supercomputer “Taipei-1” |
| Green Energy Sources | Solar, offshore wind, hydroelectric, biomass |
| Projected Capacity | 55 billion kWh annually by 2026 |
Ongoing Investments
The MOEA highlighted that Nvidia’s investments, including the establishment of its first R&D center in Asia and the AI supercomputer “Taipei-1,” are on track. The “Taipei-1,” located in Kaohsiung, is set to operate solely on green energy, for which it has already secured the necessary supply.
Renewable Energy Growth
The MOEA noted that Taiwan’s green energy landscape is evolving, with significant contributions from solar and offshore wind power. By 2026, the country anticipates installed capacities of 21 GW (approximately 25 billion kWh) from solar and 5.6 GW (about 19 billion kWh) from offshore wind. This, coupled with other renewable sources, will enable Taiwan to generate a total of 55 billion kWh of green energy annually, exceeding the anticipated demands from various local enterprises.
Legislative Hearing Sparks Controversy
The misunderstanding originated from a legislative hearing on October 29, where Taiwan People’s Party lawmaker Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷) suggested that Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang (黃仁勳), had outlined specific conditions for the company’s new investments. Economic Affairs Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) initially responded affirmatively, stating that Taiwan could meet these conditions.
However, Kuo later clarified that Huang had not directly requested the 10 billion kWh of green power, stating, “It is out of the question that the company will not return to Taiwan.” He also mentioned that the ministry has engaged with Nvidia on workforce issues related to its investments.
FAQs
1. What was the misunderstanding regarding Nvidia’s energy request?
The misunderstanding arose from a legislative hearing where it was suggested that Nvidia requested 10 billion kWh of green power, which the MOEA later denied.
2. What investments is Nvidia currently pursuing in Taiwan?
Nvidia is focused on establishing an R&D center and an AI supercomputer, “Taipei-1,” which will operate on green energy.
3. What are Taiwan’s renewable energy targets?
Taiwan aims to generate 55 billion kWh of green energy annually by 2026, primarily from solar and offshore wind sources.
4. How did the MOEA respond to claims about Nvidia?
The MOEA contacted Nvidia, which confirmed that no request for a large amount of green power was made for new investments.
5. What other energy sources contribute to Taiwan’s green energy development?
In addition to solar and offshore wind power, Taiwan is also utilizing hydroelectric, onshore, and biomass energy sources.
Conclusion
The MOEA’s swift clarification regarding Nvidia’s energy request underscores the importance of accurate communication in business relations. As Taiwan continues to develop its renewable energy capabilities, the potential for collaboration with companies like Nvidia remains strong, fostering growth and innovation in the region.
