The Executive Yuan on Thursday approved draft amendments to the Renewable Energy Development Act to accelerate the implementation of domestic renewable energy development policy and achieve the target of net-zero carbon emissions. The amendments will now be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for deliberation.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs briefed the Cabinet that the amendments were drafted to accommodate developmental trends within the offshore wind, small hydro, solar, biomass and geothermal power generation sectors. The amendments will help expand the promotion and utilization of domestic renewable energy in line with the government's overall policy direction, and streamline related administrative procedures to accelerate the development of all types of renewable energy.
Key provisions of the draft amendments:
1. Expand locations where offshore wind power systems can be installed and encourage water infrastructure facilities to develop auxiliary capabilities for generating hydroelectric power.
2. Require installation of solar power systems on the roofs of newly constructed, extended or renovated buildings that meet certain conditions.
3. Eliminate regulations that restrict the construction of biomass combustion power plants to industrial zones.
4. Add stipulations regarding the application and review procedures to obtain permission for geothermal exploration and geothermal energy development.