President Ma Ying-jeou says that Taiwan must find a sustainable and efficient energy mix for the nation’s future. He was speaking on Monday at an academic awards ceremony held by the Ministry of Education.
Premier Mao Chi-kuo was also at Monday’s event. He presented prizes to 12 winners in: the arts; humanities; and the social, natural, and applied sciences.
One of the top winners was Professor Chi Yun, from National Tsing Hua University. His research focuses on dye sensitized solar cells which can produce more energy.
President Ma praised Chi and took the opportunity to speak about Taiwan’s energy needs. He said that Taiwan currently sources 79% of its power from fossil fuels and 16% from nuclear power. Ma said that Taiwan must find an environmentally friendly power mix in order to boost future economic development.
“Many people believe we should decommission our first, second, and third nuclear power plants, and permanently shut down the fourth nuclear power plant," said Ma.
"That would make it impossible to provide enough power and to maintain reasonable electricity prices. Taiwan relies on imports for 98% of its energy, so it’s our top priority to figure out the most suitable energy mix, and to establish our own independent power supply system.”