Taiwan has limited fossil fuel reserves and as a result imports almost all of their energy supply. This imported energy supply makes up 98% Taiwan’s total energy and is highly dependent on fossil fuels. As a result, there have been a number of challenges when attempting to increase the proportion of renewable energy within their energy mix. Taiwan’s energy supply, including imports, consists mainly of oil (48%), coal (29%) and natural gas (13%). Of the energy that is produced domestically, biomass contributes the largest amount, accounting for 1.38% of the total energy supply.
Biomass is the main source of energy produced in Taiwan. Of the 2% of domestically produced energy, just over half of this comes from biomass. Biomass has likely been successfully implemented due to Taiwan’s large agriculture sector. However, Taiwan may face difficulties when attempting to further increase the amount of renewable energy within the system. Pairing intermittent renewable energy with imported fossil fuels (mainly oil and coal) will reduce the energy security within the system. This will place Taiwan at a higher risk of blackouts.
In order for Taiwan to continue to increase their renewable energy production, a restructuring of the energy system must occur.
To continue to read the full Taiwan report as part of our Research Series “The Future is Renewable: Targets and Policies by Country”, please click “Read More”.
