Image Credits- ET EnergyWorld
An industry executive in Taiwan’s chip industry stated on Friday that they are prepared to collaborate with the government in achieving the nation’s 2050 net-zero target. However, they emphasized the need to accelerate the development of renewable energy sources due to the growing demand for artificial intelligence.
Taiwan relies heavily on energy imports, primarily in the form of natural gas and coal, with the majority of its energy needs being met through these sources. However, the country has launched a significant initiative to expand its use of renewable energy as part of its efforts to attain its carbon-neutral objective.
Cliff Hou, a senior vice president at the world’s largest contract chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC), stressed at its annual meeting that the cornerstone of industry growth is sustainable energy. In the prior month, the association presented four primary requests to the government, one of which focused on ensuring a consistent provision of green energy. This is particularly crucial as Taiwan’s chip industry strives to capitalize on the AI potential, as per Hou’s statements. Regarding energy, Hou expressed the hope that the government would take more proactive measures in all aspects to foster new energy sources and ensure a stable energy supply for the semiconductor sector.
Hou revealed that there is a consensus between both – the industry and the government to collaborate on clean energy initiatives, and the industry is committed to working together to accomplish the objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050
TSMC in 2021 announced its aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with a target set by President Tsai Ing-wen’s government during the same year.
As part of government plans, the proportion of coal in Taiwan’s energy mix is projected to decrease to below 30% by 2025, while the contribution of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected to increase to around half, and renewable energy sources to one-fifth.
In recent times, Taiwan has attracted significant investments in offshore wind energy, and chip manufacturers have shown a strong interest in signing contracts with renewable energy project developers. Aside from concerns regarding the availability of renewable energy, chip companies are also expressing apprehension about its affordability, as Hou conveyed to reporters during the sidelines of the meeting.