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Energy policy needs revamping

Energy is the source of human civilization and business activities. The British journal Nature has published a commentary stressing that civilization can be seen as the result of mankind's continued discovery of new energy sources and the derivation and development of new production technologies from these energy sources.

With the advent of the indus-trial revolution, we came to rely on coal and oil for our energy needs. Unfortunately, the rapid consumption of these carbon-based fuels has transformed carbon into greenhouse gases that have been emitted into the atmosphere. The concentration of these gases has accumulated over the years, resulting in global warming.

Although scientists still have to reach a consensus regarding the relationship between global temperatures and the speed with which ocean surface levels are rising, the thawing of the ice cap at the North Pole can be clearly seen from satellite photographs.

It is expected that by the early 22nd century, global temperatures will have risen by anything from one to several degrees and sea surface levels will have risen by 1m to 6m. By that time, most ocean harbors will have been covered by the ocean. More frightening, radical changes in the weather and environment may bring unprecedented disasters. This is why we have the UN's Kyoto Protocol, which regulates greenhouse gas emissions for signatory nations.

Ninety-eight percent of Taiwan's energy needs are covered by imports. The intensified international struggle over oil and the Kyoto Protocol regulations will have a serious impact on the nation's energy use, the stability of its energy supplies, daily life, political and business developments, and national security. There are many strategies to deal with these issues. The following strategies are relatively easy to implement and and will not have a major impact on our daily lives.

First, initiate a public movement to reduce the use of carbon-based fuels. Although Taiwan is not a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, we must create a concrete timetable for reducing our reliance on such fuels and actively initiate and promote such reductions. We must do this so that we avoid becoming the target of international sanctions that could result in an energy crisis because our measures to reduce our reliance on carbon-based fuels are too feeble.

The government should inform and educate the public and industrial circles to set a good example, and conduct a comprehensive review of our basic needs, living conditions and production pro-cesses to reduce the use of carbon-based fuels. When green energy can be substituted, we should cultivate a pride in using such energy even if it is more expensive.

Improved energy efficiency of household appliances and production equipment can also reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. A new energy taxation system should also be created to promote a willingness to reduce reliance on carbon-based fuels.

Second, make adjustments to the production structure. Taiwanese industry is focused on manufacturing, which not only uses large amounts of energy, but which is also a main polluter of air and water. Beginning today, the government should work actively to promote an industrial transition from the current structure toward a service or knowledge-based industry, and industry should consider such a transition.

Third, complete the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant as soon as possible. Nuclear energy does not produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and nuclear fuel is not affected by short-term fluctuations in supply. This means that from an energy security perspective, nuclear energy is the most reliable source both for main and reserve energy needs. While guaranteeing construction quality and operational safety, we must complete the construction of the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant without delay.

Tsong Tien-tzou is a member of the Taipei Society and a research fellow at the Institute of Physics at the Academia Sinica.

Translated by Perry Svensson
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