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Due to global climate concerns, many countries are developing energy policies to encourage low emissions and high efficiency. Taiwan's current practices should be modified for the emerging smart grid (SG) industry. Strategic policy and implementation plans that shift focus from original equipment manufacture (OEM) and original design manufacture (ODM) to a vertically integrated system involving suppliers and customers should be adopted to obtain success in the global markets. Government energy SG projects have been implemented over a short-term (2011–2015), medium-term (2016–2020) and long-term (2021–2030) to ensure steady supply, promote energy conservation, reduce carbon emission, increase green energy and facilitate a low carbon economy. Practical implementation of SG systems is the most effective way to reach these goals. In this paper, current smart grid statuses in some advanced countries are briefly reviewed. The implementation plans for smart grids in Taiwan are analyzed from the perspectives of strategic policy and cost-benefit. Then, gaps between supply and demand for new energy systems, opportunities for new industries, and suggestions for SG industries are discussed. Finally, recommendations for constructing an efficient and environmentally friendly SG in Taiwan for a low carbon society and sustainable development are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As Taiwan has a dense population and only limited natural resources, the government began actively establishing a Taiwan''s sustainable development indicators (TSDI) system in 2003, which was developed with reference to the Pressure–State Response (PSR) framework to evaluate the progress towards sustainability. Energy is a very important factor in leading to sustainable development at the national level. However, there are only two indicators concerning the energy sustainability in the TSDI system. This paper summarizes the current status of energy supply, energy consumption, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and renewable energy production since the year 2000. The updated information on the TSDI was also addressed and analyzed to imply the progress towards energy sustainability during 2000–2008. Finally, the weighted-sum method was proposed to make an analysis of energy sustainability from Taiwan''s renewable energy production, showing that this country has experienced a significant progress toward energy sustainability in recent years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]