Taiwan’s power sector is at the cusp of an epoch-making transition. The end of its nuclear power phase-out, scheduled for May 2025, will bring a new and challenging operating environment. According to forecasts by GlobalData, the nation’s renewable power capacity is expected to soar from approximately 19.1 gigawatts (GW) in 2024 to around 50.7 GW by 2035. This ambitious expansion is driven by legally binding climate goals. Equity should be grounded in strategic implementation frameworks that support increased renewable energy development.
The Taiwanese government adopted decidedly ambitious renewable energy targets. These targets are based in law, with the Climate Change Response Act and the Renewable Energy Development Act setting these goals. These bills are having a tremendous impact already, resulting in record investments in clean energy technologies. Offshore wind capacity is about to take off. Specifically, it’s set to increase from about 3.0 GW in 2024 to a projected 17.4 GW by 2035. Utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity is about to take a tremendous leap. It’s expected to grow from just over 14.3 GW in 2024 to just under 31.2 GW in 2035.
Because of the nuclear phase-out and the growing integration of renewables, Taiwan’s energy landscape is quickly shifting towards a gas-renewables system. Natural gas is still the lynchpin of the country’s power system. It provides a stable source of backup even as renewables are rapidly growing. Offshore wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) together are bringing Taiwan’s generation mix to an exciting turning point. Counting on gas is necessary to ensure stability during disruptions in a lonesome, import-dependent energy transition power system.
Grid reinforcement programs initiated by Taipower are vital for accommodating higher levels of renewable energy penetration within Taiwan’s unique power system. These upgrades have been paired with an exciting new initiative. We’re accelerating deployment programs on rooftops, deploying floating solar projects, killing it with utility-scale installations to take solar PV even higher.
With the completion of the nuclear phase-out, the policy focus has turned up the heat. Now, we’re not just growing offshore wind and solar PV—we’re expanding energy storage capacity and strengthening grid infrastructure. Taiwan knew it would need to replace the baseload supply nuclear energy had provided. To do this, the government is significantly increasing deployment of renewable energy and building more flexible, gas-fired generation.
This integrated approach will help Taiwan meet its net-zero ambitions, all the while building resilience into its power system through 2035. A balanced pathway that integrates renewables and gas will ultimately safeguard energy security as the nation navigates its transition away from nuclear dependency.