Energy Transformations: Experiences from Taiwan and Germany - Regional Programme Energy Security and Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific
Event Reports
Taiwan, as many other countries in Asia, has to make fundamental decisions about its future energy system. By 2025, all nuclear power plants will be shut down. But how can a safe and sustainable energy supply for Taiwan be ensured in the future? Germany can look back on several decades of discussions and experiences in the reorganization of its energy system. This background makes Germany a reliable and competent partner for Taiwan in this transformation phase.
On the occasion of a study visit by three members of the German Bundestag, the Regional Project Energy Security and Climate Change Asia-Pacific (KAS RECAP) brought together Taiwanese and German experts for a lecture and discussion round in Taipei. The event was supported by the German Trade Office in Taiwan.
On the Taiwan side, Professor Kuei Tien Chou, Graduate Institute of National Development, National Taiwan University, gave an overview of the key areas of an energy transition in Taiwan. He emphasized that a successful transformation policy must be based on "four axis": stable energy supply, competitive energy prices, emissions reduction and affordability for even less well-off people.
Carsten Müller, member of the German Bundestag, gave a review "German Energiewende". He stressed that the energy policy debate is too focused on the generation of renewable energy to meet electricity needs. But in Germany today, still 40% of the energy is used for heating. Therefore, massive efforts should be made to increase energy efficiency of the building sector. The transport sector is still lacking behind in significantly contributing to the energy transition.
As a representative of German companies and industry in Taiwan, Mr Elver Erdal, SIEMENS Taiwan, outlined the energy forecasts for Taiwan in 2025. According to official plans, 50% of energy will be generated from gas, 30% from coal, and 20% from renewable energy. Large offshore wind farms, which will be built primarily on the west coast of Taiwan, play a major role. In this field German companies stay in strong competition with other European suppliers. Therefore german policy should be more supportive. Another huge potential for investment can be seen in the refurbishment of buildings. However, due to very low energy prices, there are currently no major economic incentives for investors and homeowners.
The participants agreed that cooperation between the two countries should be deepened both in research and development and in concrete projects.
