Perspectives on Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions

Abstract

For achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, countries worldwide are committed to setting ambitious carbon reduction targets. In 2022, the officially published report, “Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050”, sets out a comprehensive transition plan based on four fundamental strategies: energy, industrial, lifestyle, and social. This transition will likely entail an infrastructure transformation in all sectors of the economy, embracing renewable energy, electricity, and low-carbon fuels. While the Taiwan government is rolling up its sleeves to accelerate the pace of carbon-emission reduction, it is risky to set targets without considering the full implications of net-zero emission and how it will be achieved. This paper provides four insights into Taiwan’s net-zero-emission plan from a perspective of the current understanding of decarbonization and the techniques urgently needed. Although many uncertainties and outstanding questions exist in our net-zero energy systems, and the required granular information for decision makers to track progress has not been clearly identified, this paper points out the characteristics that have been neglected and provides guidance for all stakeholders—governments, businesses, investors, and citizens—to work together on a coordinated plan to tackle climate change.