MOEA: Offshore Wind Expansion to Push Renewable Energy Share to 15% This Year, Initial Estimate Shows

(CNA reporter Hsieh Yi-hsuan, Taipei, June 17) During a legislative session, People's Party legislator Hung Yu-hsiang raised concerns about renewable energy development. Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin responded today that, due to the growing share of green energy such as offshore wind power, the initial estimate for renewable energy's share of total energy generation this year could reach 15%.

The Legislative Yuan's Economic Committee today reviewed the non-operating portion of the 115th fiscal year (2024) central government budget, specifically the附属 unit budgets under the Ministry of Economic Affairs: the Economic Operation Fund, Water Resources Operation Fund, Economic Special Revenue Fund, and the Nuclear Power Back-end Operations Fund.

Legislator Hung Yu-hsiang expressed concern over Taiwan's renewable energy development, citing issues including Sunwell Energy's upcoming delisting, its subsidiary Fuwei Energy's contract for Taipower's Offshore Wind Power Phase II project, concerns over solar panel installations on the surface of the Wushantou Reservoir, and potential safety risks associated with policies mandating rooftop solar installations on large new buildings. He accused the government of failure, negligence, loss of control, and disorder.

In response to Hung's inquiry on renewable energy share, Minister Kung stated that last year, renewables accounted for 13% of total power generation. This year, the share is expected to increase significantly due to a substantial rise in offshore wind capacity and overall green energy deployment. The initial estimate suggests renewables could reach 15% of total generation in 2024.

Regarding the Sunwell Energy case, Hung questioned which agency would be held accountable, citing policy delays, project failures, and lower-than-expected power generation efficiency. Kung reiterated that contractors secured their agreements through public bidding and must fulfill their contractual obligations. He emphasized that the Ministry's goal is to complete offshore wind projects on schedule, with all processes executed according to contract terms, and that the government respects contractual commitments.

Hung also raised concerns about solar panels installed on the Wushantou Reservoir, noting that after the reservoir dried up, Chinese-made components were discovered beneath the panels. He questioned which agency should investigate potential breaches of the 'non-red supply chain' policy. Director-General Wu Chih-wei of the Bureau of Energy responded that as long as imported components meet regulatory standards, their installation is permitted. (Edited by Chang Chun-mao) 1150617

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