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This is a discussion on the paper titled “Assessing feed-in tariffs on wind power installation and industry development in Taiwan” published by Hsu et al. In the discussed paper, there were several missing variables in the historical test of the system dynamics (SD) model, and thus the test was not integrated and valid. Additionally, the simulated results of the missing variables were used as important indexes to observe the behavior of the SD model. Therefore, it was highly likely that the solution and related policy analysis based on the simulated results were incorrect. Accordingly, the present study illustrated the structure characteristics of the SD model with respect to the fore-mentioned problems, discussed the reason for missing variables and proposed a method to assess whether or not the historical test was integrated. Finally, after a careful analysis, this study offered suggestions to perfect the historical test proposed in the discussed paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Under the current wave of international responses to the growing threat of climate change, Taiwan cannot afford to step back from its goal of advancing its renewable energy, strengthening its energy self sufficiency and energy security. This paper will first analyze the high level dependency structure of Taiwan''s energy demands; then we will explore Taiwan current situation in terms of renewable energy development; furthermore from an overview of the course of changes and development in Taiwan''s energy policy, highlight the commitment to and aims of Taiwan''s Renewable Energy Development, made by the government at the Annual National Energy Conference. Fourth, we shall analyse technological R&D, incentives, taxes, market reforms and other related policy tools. Fifth, in light of public announcements and budgets set in recent years for Taiwan''s renewable energy research plan, highlight main strategies being given impetus by the government. Sixth, the author will discuss the implications of recent significant legal reforms to the development of renewable energy in Taiwan and from the correlating aspects of industrial structures and energy consumption, take the first steps in emphasizing the urgent need for adjustments to be made to Taiwan''s industrial structure. Finally, this paper will conclude by examining current policies, legislation and strategies which are in place to promote this area in Taiwan and discuss the potential competitiveness and future scenarios which the development of Renewable Energy could mean for Taiwan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examined promotion programs and implementing regulations that provide a framework for the application of energy and agricultural policies for the local energy crops cultivation by the reactivation of fallow land (about 100,000ha) and their utilizations in the bioenergy production in Taiwan. The contents were thus addressed on current energy supply and biomass energy production, estimation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from energy use (consumption) using the Reference Approach of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) method, national energy goal in biomass energy supply in the near future, and government policies and measures for encouraging bioenergy production and consumption. For the promotion of biofuels, the incentive programs were initiated in the period of 2006–2011. The potential benefits of the program include the upgrade of industrial investment in the bioenergy plants, the reactivation of fallow land (about 100,000ha), the mitigation of CO2 emissions, and so on. Concerning the utilization of napier grass (a potential energy grass) as biomass energy (electricity generation) for co-firing, its impacts on ambient air quality and non-CO2 greenhouse gases (i.e., CH4 and N2O) emissions were also discussed in the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Taiwan is a high energy-importing nation with approximately 98% of our energy supplied by imported fuels in 2004. The energy conservation and/or energy efficiency improvement is becoming vital energy issues in the country. In this regard, cogeneration system or combined heat and power system used for the utilization of waste heat from energy and industrial sectors is thus becoming attractive due to the energy, economic and environmental policies for pursuing stable electricity supply, sustainable development and environmental pollution mitigation in Taiwan. The objective of this paper is to present an analysis of cogeneration system utilized as sustainable energy in the industrial sector in Taiwan. The description in the paper is thus summarized on an analysis of electricity supply/consumption and its sources from cogeneration system during the past two decades (1984–2004) and then centered on new/revised promotion legislation/regulations especially concerning cogeneration system in the measures of environmental protection and economic/financial incentives. Finally, we preliminarily present the results of environmental benefit analysis in the greenhouse gases reduction. Based on the data in 2004, it was found that the reduction benefits of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide were estimated to achieve 3.488×107 and 650 metric tones, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Taiwan is a high energy-importing nation with more than 98% of our energy supplied by imported fuels in 2004. The diversification of kinds and sources of primary fuel is becoming vital energy issues in the country. In this regard, biomass energy like biodiesel fuel from waste edible oil is thus becoming attractive due to the environmental and energy policies for promoting sustainable development and environmental pollution mitigation in Taiwan. The objective of this paper is to present an analysis of energy utilization from waste edible oil for the diesel production in Taiwan. The description in the paper is thus summarized on current status of diesel fuel and edible oil supply and consumption, and waste edible oils, and then centered on new/revised promotion legislation/regulations especially concerning the waste-to-biodiesel in the measures of environmental protection and economic/financial incentives. Finally, we survey the first demonstration plant in the production of biodiesel from waste edible oil including process description and benefit analysis, which has started to be operated in October 2004 on an industrial scale of 3000 metric tons per year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions are becoming significant energy and environmental issues relating to municipal solid waste (MSW) deposited in landfills in Taiwan. The nation, although not a Party to the Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocol, has diligently striven to mitigate and phase out them. The landfill gas (LFG), which is now considered as a renewable energy with emphasis on electricity generation, has been recognized as one of the main GHGs emissions associated with its composition mostly consisting of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The objective of this paper is to present an updated overview of LFG-to-electricity in Taiwan. The description is thus centered on biogas sources and their energy utilizations, and then aimed at MSW generation and management. Using the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommended methodology, anthropogenic methane emissions from MSW landfills in Taiwan during 1992–2003 were estimated to be around 360 thousand metric tons annually during 1992–1999, then decreased to approximately 103 thousand metric tons in 2003 due to the MSW recycling and incineration policies during this period. The promotion measures relating to LFG-to-electricity are also summarized in the paper. Finally, we overview four LFG-to-electricity facilities currently commercialized in Taiwan, and briefly evaluate their economic and environmental benefits. It is shown that total LFG-to-electricity is around based on the LFG generation rate of , heating value of 5500 kcal/m3, and energy efficiency of 25%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Taiwan is an energy-importing nation with more than 97% of energy consumption supplied by imported fuels. In this regard, renewable energy like waste-to-energy is become attractive. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of energy utilization from the cogeneration system of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration in recent years. The description is thus centered on MSW generation, incineration treatment and its energy utilization status. The energy policy relating to MSW-to-energy is also summarized in the paper. Finally, we present the regulatory system including Air Pollution Control Act, Energy Management Law and Statute for Upgrading Industries, which is not only to establish the environmental standards on MSW incineration facility, but also to provide economic and financial incentives to promote the use of MSW-to-energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Taiwan is a subtropical island nation with high dependence upon imported energy, about 97% of its energy is supplied by imported fuels. Environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are becoming significant issues in Taiwan. In this regard, renewable energy like bio-gas energy, wind energy and solar energy are thus becoming attractive because the Energy Commission under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and other government energy expenditures pledged about annual US$ 100 millions in total to promote renewable energy and energy conservation based on the renewable energy development policy approved by the Executive Yuan (Cabinet) in January 2002. Also, the Taiwan government announced the ambitious target to achieve about 6500 MW of energy from renewable sources by 2020, which is equivalent to increase Taiwan’s installed capacity of power supply from renewable sources to above 10%. The objective of this paper is to present an updated overview of energy policy from renewable sources in Taiwan, including the government’s organizational response and special funds for supporting renewable energy promotion and technology development. Then, current status of usage and technology development of renewable energy is further addressed in this paper, concentrating on biomass energy, solar energy and wind power. Finally, the paper will focus on some integrated research and development programs to promote renewable energy technology, and summarize two research projects of biofuel energy (i.e. bio-hydrogen production and fast pyrolysis technology from organic wastes) in progress under the joint-funds of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the National Science Council. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Taiwan is a high energy-importing nation with more than 95% of its energy supplied by imported fuels. Environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are becoming significant environmental issues. In this regard, renewable energy like waste-to-energy are thus becoming attractive due to the energy policy for the sustainable development and environmental pollution mitigation in Taiwan. The objective of this paper is to present an updated overview of energy utilization from mass agrowastes in industries. The description is thus centered on new/revised promotion legislation/regulations especially concerning the agrowaste-to-energy in the measures of environmental protection and economic/financial incentives. The Statute for Renewable Energy Development is being enacted to further enhance and promote the green energy utilization, which is also addressed in the paper. Finally, we present the biomass energy utilization of three mass agrowastes (i.e. bagasse and rice husk from mills, and piggery wastes from swine farms) in progress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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]

Since Taiwan is a densely populated island with almost no fossil energy resources, the development of renewable energy is an important issue. In the past, industries with low energy productivity were encouraged for economic development, but this structure of low energy productivity industries should now be adjusted to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. By analyzing the gross domestic product together with the energy consumption and CO 2 emissions for major industries in Taiwan, this paper considers what kinds of industries should be encouraged or discouraged for Taiwan's future development. In addition, the recommendations for Taiwan's renewable energy and energy-intensive industrial policy are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Taiwan dependents on thermal power for 70% of its total energy supply. The high consumption of fossil fuel increases the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and consequently causes global warming and climate change. Thus, Taiwan has proposed new regulations and measures such as “The Framework for Sustainable Energy Policy – An Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction Action Plan“and” The Master Plan of Energy Conservation and Carbon Mitigation” for domestic carbon reduction. These regulations indicate that the urgency to promote renewable energy to the public to achieve sizable reduction of CO2 emissions. The objective of this paper is to develop a cost–benefit evaluation methodology based on system dynamics (SD) modelling for any given administrative region to evaluate renewable energy policies. This research develops specific SD models with causal feedback loops to assess the effectiveness of policies and the corresponding benefits for solar energy carbon reduction. The solar energy applications on Taiwan''s largest island, Penghu, are used to demonstrate the proposed methodology. The SD approaches and the evaluation of the results serve as a reference to promote solar energy in the other regions with reduced costs and reliability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to respond to calls for newly industrialized countries to take greater responsibility for reducing GHG emission levels in the 2012 post-Kyoto treaty era, the Taiwan government has in recent years actively promoted related strategic policies and laws. In June 2009 the government passed the ‘Renewable Energy Development Act’ along with amendments to the ‘Energy Administration Act’, while at the same time developing drafts of the ‘GHG Reduction Act’ and ‘Energy Tax Act’. This set of related policies and legislation, create a basic foundation for Taiwan''s international GHG reduction responsibilities, institutional capacity and systems potential. This process of promoting GHG reduction touches on a wide range of issues including objective energy structure, GHG emission structure, the set of policies and laws, as well as the horizontal, vertical and socio-cultural pressures of the legislative process. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is, through a comparison of the strategies adopted in each of the four GHG reduction acts, to trace the legislative background behind related acts and analyze the main aims, control models adopted and interaction going on between these four GHG reduction acts. Moreover with these four acts touching on the need for changes to be made to the energy structure, industrial structure and energy efficiency, as well as consumer behavior and other issues, the author also discusses the domestic and international economic factors and socio-cultural pressures affecting the legislative process. Finally, a comparison of energy consumption, GHG emission and industrial output, will reveal the direction which current efforts to implement changes to Taiwan''s industrial policy, CO2 reduction policy and legislation are moving. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In 2008, Taiwan government passed a set of rules designed to achieve a sizable reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, namely, “Frameworks of Sustainable Energy Policy”. The target of the policy is to keep CO2 emissions during the 2016–2020 periods at the 2008 level, to reduce them to the 2000 level in 2025, and to cut that level in half by 2050. Currently, the acts of “Statute for Renewable Energy Development” and “Energy Management Act (amendment)” is being implemented while those of “Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Act (draft)” and “Regulation for Energy Tax (draft)” is being scheduled for legislative reviewing. These acts deal with GHG emission reduction via various policy instruments such as cap and trade, subsidies, and taxes. The present paper presents a detailed review of the policy progress of GHG emission reduction in Taiwan in addition to the assessment of the outcome of GHG emission reduction in the past decade. It also proposed the priority of policy implementation of GHG emission reduction in the country in the post-Kyoto era. [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]

Abstract: This paper investigates Taiwan''s strategic promotion of the photovoltaic industry, along with the warm welcome it has extended to developments and competitive trends in global green energy technology. Through gaining a grasp of Taiwan''s position as fourth globally in the photovoltaic industry and production potential, the author''s main concern was with the role of the government, encouraging policies, installation incentive measures, the newest ‘Renewable Energy Development Act’, Science Park cluster effect strategy, initiating National Energy projects and actively promoting and improving the competitiveness of Taiwan''s photovoltaic industry. The promotion of legislation and policy-orientated strategies are all a vital path to Taiwan catching up, learning and developing competitiveness in the area of science and technology related industries. Moreover, from the perspective of technological and industrial development trends, the author carried out a SWOT analysis of Taiwan''s photovoltaic industry, pointing out that with the basic niche established through Taiwan''s semiconductor and IC manufacturing and design, Taiwan''s photovoltaic industry has the potential to take it one step further in the areas of R&D and the possibility of acquiring breakthroughs in international cooperation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: On June 12, 2009, Taiwan government approved a bill of “Statute for Renewable Energy Development”, which aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy, boosting energy diversification, and helping reduce greenhouse gases. The new act caps the subsidies for renewable energy up to 10GW within 20 years. It authorizes the government to enhance incentives for the development of renewable energy via a variety of methods, including the acquisition mechanisms, incentives for demonstration projects, and the loosening of regulatory restrictions. According to the subsidies of the Statute, the share of power capacity of renewable energies will be triple of the nationwide power installation capacity by 2029. The purpose of this paper is to present an updated overview of promotional policy of renewable energy in Taiwan, in addition to evaluate the growth space of individual renewable energies in the post-Statute era by considering the technology development, domestic conditions, and indigenous industries related to renewable energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the livestock manure are becoming significant energy and environmental issues in Taiwan. However, the waste management (i.e., anaerobic digestion) can produce the biogas associated with its composition mostly consisting of methane (CH4), which is now considered as a renewable energy with emphasis on electricity generation and other energy uses. The objective of this paper was to present an overview analysis of biogas-to-bioenergy in Taiwan, which included five elements: current status of biogas sources and their energy utilizations, potential of biogas (methane) generation from livestock manure management, governmental regulations and policies for promoting biogas, benefits of GHGs (i.e., methane) emission reduction, and research and development status of utilizing livestock manure for biofuel production. In the study, using the livestock population data surveyed by the Council of Agriculture (Taiwan) and the emission factors recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the potential of methane generation from livestock manure management in Taiwan during the period of 1995–2007 has been estimated to range from 36 to 56Ggyear−1, indicating that the biogas (methane) from swine and dairy cattle is abundant. Based on the characteristics of swine manure, the maximum potential of methane generation could reach to around 400Ggyear−1. With a practical basis of the total swine population (around 4300 thousandheads) from the farm scale of over 1000heads, a preliminary analysis showed the following benefits: methane reduction of 21.5Ggyear−1, electricity generation of 7.2×107 kW-hyear−1, equivalent electricity charge saving of 7.2×106 US$year−1, and equivalent carbon dioxide mitigation of 500Ggyear−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Due to the high energy-importing dependence (98%) and tremendous greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission (over 13metric tons/capita-year), the diversification of kinds and sources of primary fuel like petroleum is making vital energy and environmental issues in Taiwan. In this regard, bioethanol fuel from energy crops has thus become attractive in this subtropical/tropical nation due to the rampant increase in oil price and governmental policies on promoting bioethanol as a potential substitute for gasoline fuel in recent years. The objective of this paper is to present an analysis of bioethanol fuel produced from sugar crops as one of the gasoline additives in the transportation sector of Taiwan. The analytical description in the manuscript is thus summarized on current energy supply and its future supply goal, and gasoline supply and consumption during the years of 1990–2005. It is emphasized that bioethanol was ever produced commercially from sugar manufacturing by-product (i.e., molasses) for more than 50 years in Taiwan. Concerning the promotion of bioethanol production, the description centered on new/revised promotion regulations/policies for the measures of agricultural sustainability, environmental protection, energy management, and financial incentives. Finally, we analyze the safety, health, and environmental risk of using bioethanol fuel, and also address its preliminary benefits on an industrial scale of 500,000kiloliters/year from a cane field of 100,000ha, showing a total energy output of 3.0×107 GJ/year and a CO2 mitigation of 7.5×105 metric tons/year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Taiwan is a high energy-dependent nation with about 97% of our energy needs supplied by imported fuels in 2002. Environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are becoming significant environmental issues in the country. In this regard, renewable energy is thus becoming attractive in recent years based on the energy policy for the sustainable development and environmental pollution mitigation in Taiwan. In response to the balance between economic development, energy supply stability and environment protection, the Energy Commission under the Ministry of Economic Affairs has issued the Renewable Energy Development Plan in 2001. The objective of this paper is to present an updated overview of current utilization and future development on renewable energy, including biomass energy, solar energy (i.e., photovoltaic power and solar water heating), wind energy and geothermal energy. The description is first centered on energy production/consumption situation and greenhouse gas emissions status, and then concerned with renewable energy utilization in terms of environmental impacts, especially in air pollution. Finally, we present the promotion measures related to the renewable energy utilization under the government regulations, industrial policy, financial incentives and funding supports. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]