Cheng-Wei Yu, Director General of Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs, led a delegation to the United Kingdom in June. The Bureau of Energy and British Office Taipei co-hosted the "5th UK-Taiwan Energy Dialogue" in London on June 13th, inviting officials and research institutions from both the UK and Taiwan to share knowledge and experiences on topics of net-zero and just transition policies, marine spatial planning and low-carbon hydrogen.
The Dialogue was opened by Lord Faulkner of Worcester, the Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Taiwan and Kelly Hsieh, Taiwan's Representative to the UK. Kelly Hsieh said: "The UK has long been a global leader in offshore wind power and innovative research in areas of renewable energy and decarbonization. It has become a destination for countries seeking professional knowledge and advice, and a role model for Taiwan to learn from." Mr. Hsieh further expressed his gratitude to Lord Faulkner for his long-term dedication as the Trade Envoy to Taiwan, promoting Taiwan-UK interactions and cooperations, and providing support to the Taiwan-UK Renewable Energy Roundtable Meeting.
Lord Faulkner remarked: "The UK is a world leader in offshore wind, and the UK and Taiwan have a history of cooperation on offshore wind, energy policy, industrial development and R&D over the past 20 years. I am sure this year's Energy Dialogue will continue to deepen our partnership towards a net zero future. I am looking forward to visiting Taiwan in September to attend the 18th UK-Taiwan Renewable Energy Conference and lead a trade mission to introduce UK firms to the Taiwanese market."
"Taiwan's Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050" was released in 2022, along with twelve key strategies including offshore wind power and hydrogen. In this Dialogue, Chung-Hsien Chen, Director of Bureau of Energy, shared that Taiwan will increase its capacity of renewable energy so to increase the ratio of indigenous energy and achieve energy independence. Dr. Ameena Camps, a Commissioner at Scotland's Just Transition Commission, outlined the role of the independent Just Transition Commission, and emphasized that a just transition is not solely about outcomes, but also an inclusive process that centers on participatory approaches to designing solutions.
For marine spatial planning, the UK side shared the science-based policy-making and the experience of how the UK's marine plans seek to maximize co-existence between different sea users. Chun-Hao Lin, Section Chief of Department of Marine Resources of the Ocean Affairs Council, Taiwan, shared the preliminary progress of Taiwan's marine spatial planning. Richard Burch of British Office Taipei outlined the cooperative achievements of port planning and the collaborative projects for talents and skills enhancement between Taiwan and the UK.
During the session covering low-carbon hydrogen, Chun-Hua Wu, Head of Department of Power Development of Taiwan Power Company, shared co-firing demonstration project using hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions in power system. Henry Irvine from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero introduced the UK's low carbon hydrogen standards and subsidy measures to accelerate the development of clean hydrogen energy. Both sides latter had an in-depth discussion concerning planning of hydrogen-power generation development.
Cheng-Wei Yu, Director General of Bureau of Energy stated in his closing remarks: "Currently, Taiwan is in the process of planning a floating wind demonstration project; and our delegation has utilized its visit to UK government officials so to have interactions concerning works related to floating wind. As for hydrogen, Taiwan has organized a 'Hydrogen Energy Promotion Taskforce' to promote hydrogen development strategies for the short, medium, and long term."
Julie Scott, Head of Energy Diplomacy, International Energy Unit, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero commented: "The clean energy transition is an opportunity for the world to diversify energy systems to support energy security, energy access and affordability, as well as delivering on Net Zero commitments. The clean energy transition affects all parts of society, and it is important that transitions are just and inclusive."
Both sides emphasized that cooperation in the energy sector is crucial to respective development of renewable energy. Through the fruitful exchange during this meeting, both sides also believed that there will be more upcoming opportunities for collaboration.
Sources：MOEA
