MOEA focuses on developing energy-saving industry

The government has drafted a set of development guidelines for the emerging energy-saving industry, highlighting the potential of certain sectors in the industry while proposing incentives to induce private investment in those areas, senior officials at the Ministry of Economic Affairs said yesterday.

Officials said that during the two-day session of the 2008 Taiwan Global Technology and Industry Summit Forum, the ministry presented several development plans for vital and potential industries in Taiwan, in which the energy-saving industry takes center stage.

Bureau of Energy Director-General Yeh Huey-ching (葉惠青) said in a keynote speech that the government had singled out light emitting diode (LED) lighting, energy information and control systems, and energy technology and services as the most promising sectors.

The short-term strategy for all three sectors is to further utilize core technologies and accelerate the development and research processes of related technologies and applications, Yeh said.

"For mid to long-term development, the vision is to create one or more unique niches so that Taiwan can stay in the global supply chain of the energy-saving industry," he said.

Yeh said the local LED lighting industry requires additional up, mid and down-stream integration to strengthen its competitive edge.

For energy information and control systems, Yeh said the sector would be able to upgrade its design and R&D capabilities should input from the electronics, sensing and information technology industries be sought.

Yeh also said there was potential in artificial intelligence-based regulating systems for energy consumption as the next step in the R&D roadmap for energy info-control systems.

If the energy technology and services sector can be fueled by expanding markets, financing projects, a certification mechanism, talented professionals and advanced technology, its development would achieve a higher growth rate, he said.