Maximizing Renewable Energy: Taiwan's Blueprint and Challenges for Energy Transition

By Joi Wu

As the world strides toward net-zero emissions, governments and industries alike face the intricate challenge of balancing energy security, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. During this year's National Day address, President Lai Qing‐de reaffirmed the commitment to a "second energy transition" aimed at ensuring a stable energy supply. These reform measures are designed to build a more resilient, eco-friendly, and market-driven electricity and energy system—one that meets the imperatives of energy security and the circular economy while aligning with global decarbonization and sustainable development trends.

Professor Lin, an expert in smart grids and energy technology and one of Taiwan's earliest proponents of the virtual power plant (VPP) concept, is unequivocal about Taiwan's core energy policy: "Maximizing Renewable Energy."

Now serving as a Distinguished Lecturer at National Central University's Department of Electrical Engineering and as Vice Minister of the National Science Council, Faa-Jeng Lin explains, "The government's energy policy is crystal clear—it emphasizes the development of renewable energy. We are not opposed to nuclear power per se, but the preconditions for its deployment are exceedingly stringent. For instance, a long-term, universally accepted solution for nuclear waste storage must be achieved; otherwise, nuclear power cannot serve as a primary option." He stressed that although the path to maximizing renewables is fraught with challenges, it is the only viable direction for Taiwan's future energy landscape.

Professor Faa-Jeng Lin, Distinguished Lecturer at the Department of Electrical Engineering, National Central University, and Vice Minister of the National Science Council