As the demand for green energy soars, Economic Affairs Minister J.W. Kuo voiced the need to acquire alternative energy sources by building various power plants in the Philippines. Though he later retracted his previous statements, his words led to significant public discourse.
While energy companies see potential and are already investing in the Philippines, Kuo’s plan faces major challenges, including technical issues, policy coordination, and high costs. Twain’s challenge is not the shortage of electricity but acquiring green energy in itself, which is important for many industries including semiconductors.
The country’s solar and wind power technology is advanced; however, land limitations and unclear policies make it difficult to meet the rising demand for green energy, specifically large tech companies and similar conglomerates. These companies, in search of stable green energy to meet carbon-neutral goals, worry about the potential costs of their operations if they can’t secure it.
Kuo’s plan highlights the broader issue of insufficient green energy in Taiwan, primarily focusing on importing energy from the Philippines as a key solution. However, transmitting electricity over long distances, especially undersea, is technically difficult and costly, with energy loss during transmission also a concern.
Though there are obstacles, companies like J&V Energy, ATE Energy, and HD Renewable Energy are already operating in the Philippines, seeing potential in the country’s energy resources. However, for Taiwan to benefit from transported energy supplies, it will need to overcome significant financial, technical, and policy challenges, and only then a smooth transition into green power be made.
