Premier Lin Chuan today said that solar and wind power will play a key role in transforming the nation's energy industry by developing emerging green energy industries and helping Taiwan become a nuclear-free country.
In remarks following a Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) briefing on a four-year promotion plan for the wind power industry, the premier also said that approval of the plan will speed up wind power turbine deployment, which is expected to increase Taiwan's installed wind power capacity to 4.2 gigawatts (GW) by 2025 and help increase renewable energy resources to 20 percent of total supply.
Because applications for offshore wind turbine installation involve multiple ministries including the MOEA, Ministry of the Interior, Environmental Protection Administration and Council of Agriculture, as well as the active cooperation of state-owned Taiwan Power Co., the premier requested that the MOEA set up a single-service window to speed up administrative processes, which will help eliminate investment barriers and the resulting uncertainties. The nation is encouraging renewable energy to promote environmental sustainability, so the premier also urged the MOEA to be more aware of ecological adaptations to minimize environmental impact.
Taiwan has also invited outstanding international firms to add their cutting-edge technologies and system integration capabilities to the world's best conditions for offshore wind farms and outstanding machinery and electronics manufacturing capabilities, creating a team that can compete in the international energy market, the premier pointed out.
The MOEA said that the wind power promotion plan's short-term goal is to have 1,334 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity within four years, with a medium and long-term goal of 4.2 GW of installed capacity by 2025.
The promotional strategy for land-based wind power installations prioritizes helping proactive local governments and promoting viable sites, with a goal of 814 MW of installed capacity by 2020. The offshore wind power strategy will help complete installations at demo incentive sites and potential sites, with a goal of 520 MW of installed capacity by 2020. Basic infrastructure for offshore wind farms will also be fast-tracked, including wind turbine installation piers, submerged platforms, operation and maintenance ports and piers, and power transmission and distribution grids.
Projected installed capacity of 4.2 GW by 2025 will have many benefits, generating 14 billion kilowatt hours of electric power and reducing carbon emissions by 7.1 million metric tons each year while generating 10,000 job opportunities, driving investments of NT$613.5 billion (US$20.34 billion at current exchange rates), enhancing energy security, spurring green economy innovations and promoting environmental sustainability.