Lai promotes green transition to support Taiwan growth

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Wednesday that the country will speed up its green transition and strengthen energy security to support economic growth and keep local industries competitive.

Speaking at the opening of the net-zero sustainability exhibition, Lai said businesses face growing pressure to cut emissions as global supply chains tighten environmental standards. He said companies that fail to reduce emissions could lose orders and fall behind international competitors.

Lai said the government has set new targets to guide the country’s green transition. He said Taiwan aims to cut carbon emissions by 26% to 30% from 2005 levels by 2030, and by 36% to 40% by 2035.

The president said the government is using carbon fees and investment programs to help businesses meet these targets. Lai noted that the country completed its first round of carbon fee payments in May, with all revenue set aside for green upgrades and innovation.

The government has also established a NT$10 billion (US$318 million) fund project to attract private investment in low-carbon industries, he said. Lai said it plans to invest another NT$100 billion over eight years to help small- and medium-sized businesses adopt digital tools and cut emissions.

Lai said a stable power supply is essential as artificial intelligence drives up electricity demand. He added that the country is expanding renewable energy, improving energy storage, and upgrading its power grid to strengthen energy security.

The government will also promote energy-saving measures to help meet rising power demand, Lai said. He added that these efforts would support industrial growth while keeping the country on track to reach its net-zero emissions goals.

More information:https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6457765