KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — Taiwan People's Party Chairman Ko Wen-je voiced concerns on Friday (June 9) over the Democratic Progressive Party government's energy transition plans during a visit to the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism.
Responding to questions about the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Taiwan's recently released White Paper on Taiwan's energy policy, Ko said: "The Democratic Progressive Party's policy of reaching 20% renewable energy generation by 2025 is impossible." He further emphasized the challenges associated with deactivating nuclear power plants by 2025.
Ko emphasized the need for a sufficient energy supply to support the development of industries with high energy consumption, such as the semiconductor industry. He remarked, "If you wish to continue to develop the semiconductor industry while phasing out nuclear power and having insufficient renewable energy, then we can only use love to generate electricity." Ko suggested that the government overlooked this issue.
AmCham's White Paper criticized Taiwan's energy policy, highlighting the country's delayed progress in energy transition and its potential impact on industries and national security. While acknowledging the Taiwanese government's efforts to alter the energy mix, AmCham President Amy Chang emphasized the need for improved progress, stressing that Taiwan would undoubtedly require more electricity in the future.
