TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Economic Minister J.W. Kuo (郭智輝) apologized on Wednesday (Oct. 16) for his hasty remarks about establishing power plants in the Philippines and importing green energy to Taiwan. During a session of the Economics Committee in the Legislative Yuan (立法院經濟委員會), Kuo faced scrutiny from Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Legislator Chang Chia-chun (張嘉郡).
Chang questioned the costs, timeline, and line loss rate associated with the plan. She expressed concerns about the feasibility of transmitting electricity from the Philippines, noting Taiwan's current line loss rate of 3.5% when sending power from the south to the north, which results in a yearly loss of approximately NT$40 billion.
Chang highlighted the challenges posed by the complex underwater terrain of the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines. She cited the 13-year timeline for constructing the undersea cable between Taiwan and the offshore island of Penghu as evidence of the difficulties. Chang argued that completing such a project before 2030 would be highly challenging.
The minister acknowledged the need for a more thorough discussion of this proposal, emphasizing efforts to ensure a stable power supply for Taiwanese businesses and aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In response to reporters' questions about Taiwan's green energy sufficiency, Kuo expressed confidence that it is sufficient right now and stated that the goal is to achieve 30% green energy by 2030.
