The green economy policy being implemented by the National Development Council will provide guidelines for government agencies to promote economic growth while furthering the green initiative, Ma said. This is key if Taiwan is to continue fulfilling its obligations as a leading proponent of global greening, he added.
Ma made the remarks at an Earth Day function for environmental protection groups at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
Concerning the development of renewable energy, the president said the Ministry of Economic Affairs has established an implementation mechanism to promote optimal energy mix based on the Renewable Energy Development Act of 2009.
By encouraging private sector investment and increasing the use of solar panels and wind turbines, the government expects to boost renewable energy generating capacity from 10.9 gigawatts to 13.8 gigawatts in 2030. This will safeguard Taiwan’s energy security and ensure the health of the economy and livelihood of the people, Ma added.
Taiwan still relies heavily on nuclear power to sustain economic growth and meet industrial needs. Existing solar stations and wind farms are incapable of maintaining stable power supply, while plans for new alternative power facilities are subject to objections from local communities.
According to the MOEA, Lungmen nuclear power plant—still under construction in New Taipei City’s Gongliao District—remains the most reliable source of baseload power in the foreseeable future.
Regarding the opposition Democratic Progressive Party’s proposal to put construction of Lungmen on hold owing to safety concerns, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said April 22 that no one, including the Executive Yuan, can unilaterally announce this course of action.
The issue is not a question of whether Lungmen should commence operations, but one related to the nation’s overall energy policy, Jiang said. The government’s policy has always been to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities and gradually reduce reliance on this energy source, he added.
Lungmen’s future can only be decided by referendum after all safety inspections have been completed and approved by the Atomic Energy Council, the premier said. (YHC-JSM)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw