In response to the global trend toward carbon reduction and to achieve the concomitant goals of increasing energy independence and enhancing the quality of the public's living environment, in May 2016 the government initiated an energy transition plan aimed at reducing coal usage, increasing natural gas usage, phasing out nuclear power and promoting green energy. The plan comprehensively lays out strategies and pathways for the development of national renewable energy sources. The government has announced a new target of achieving 29 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2025, to be comprised primarily of solar power (20 GW) and offshore wind power (5.6 GW). In addition, this administration is actively developing future-oriented renewable energy including geothermal, biomass, marine and hydrogen, and has amended the Renewable Energy Development Act to optimize the legal environment for the promotion of green energy. These measures will help ensure a stable energy supply, reduce air pollution and atmospheric carbon dioxide, and accelerate the transition to becoming a net-zero nation.
Key areas for promotion
■ Solar power: Promote rooftop photovoltaic systems, such as at agricultural facilities, public buildings, school campuses, industrial sites and community housing. Promote ground-mounted photovoltaic systems in areas including smart fish farms, remediated contaminated land, state-owned land in non-public use and covered sports venues. Require installation of solar photovoltaic systems on newly constructed, extended or renovated buildings that meet specific conditions.
■ Offshore wind power: The offshore wind program's first phase granted subsidy incentives to construct two offshore wind farm demonstration sites. The second phase reviewed potential development site applications and approved projects totaling a capacity of 5.5 GW, which began coming online in 2021 and will be fully operational by 2025. The third phase will carry out zonal development by gradually establishing long-term stable markets for local offshore wind energy based on economies of scale, commissioning 1.5 GW of additional capacity each year from 2026 to 2035 to support the sustainable development of regional supply chains.
■ Other renewable energy sources: Establish a friendly environment for small hydro power generation, such as by relaxing restrictions on fields of application for small hydro power to encourage development of the industry; amend clauses of the Renewable Energy Development Act relating to geothermal exploration, development permits and review processes to expedite the development of geothermal power; promote high-efficiency biomass conversion technology and its applied uses, and relax zoning restrictions for more flexibility over site location.