TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming on Monday dismissed reports linking carbon fees to nuclear energy, stressing that the two are unrelated. Peng acknowledged that while nuclear energy may reduce some carbon emissions, its overall impact on Taiwan's carbon footprint is minimal.
Peng's remarks came ahead of a report on carbon fees presented to the "Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee" (立法院社環委員會) at the Legislative Yuan (Taiwan's parliament).
Peng addressed media questions on whether the absence of nuclear energy in the country's energy mix is raising carbon fees. He stated that carbon fees affect the steel and cement industries by about 1% to 2%, with green inflation negligible.
Also, Peng emphasized that rumors of a 5% to 10% increase in housing prices due to carbon fees are completely false, asserting that the impact is less than 0.1%. Highlighting a global trend, Peng predicted that international carbon pricing could reach NT$1,200 by 2030, with Taiwan gradually moving towards a carbon trading system.
He noted that considering industry needs, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) aims to keep carbon fee rates low. He pointed out that similar carbon pricing in Japan and South Korea is two to three times higher than in Taiwan.
Peng stressed that carbon fees encourage companies to reduce emissions, warning that failing to do so now will lead to higher future costs. He argued that the funds required for corporate transformation far exceed the carbon fees.
MOENV announced a draft for carbon fee rates on Oct. 8, proposing a general rate of NT$300 per ton of carbon emissions, with preferential rates A and B set at NT$50 and NT$100, respectively, following a review completed on Oct. 7.
