Local export-oriented manufacturers, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (台積電), require sufficient supplies of green energy to maintain their competitiveness and regulations already ensure that renewable energy development adheres to environmental protection principles, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said yesterday, as the legislature imposed further restrictions on solar panel installations.
The opposition-led Legislative Yuan yesterday passed third readings to proposed amendments to three acts — the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (環境影響評估法), the Act for the Development of Tourism (發展觀光條例) and the Geology Act (地質法) — which would largely prohibit the construction of solar panels in some areas.
The amendments stipulate that ground-mounted solar panels should not be installed in national scenic areas or geologically sensitive zones without environmental impact assessment approval.
Photo on courtesy of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
The amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act must not impede green energy development or undermine industry competitiveness, as local enterprises require green energy to secure customer orders, the ministry said.
Export-oriented enterprises, such as contract chipmakers TMSC and United Microelectronics Corp (聯電), and iPhone assembler Hon Hai Precision Industry Co (鴻海精密) have joined the RE100 initiative to reach carbon neutrality, matching the promises of customers to use green energy entirely within a specific period, the ministry said.
As of Wednesday, the combined market value of companies that had joined the RE100 initiative totaled NT$52 trillion (US$1.67 trillion), and “dealing a blow to green energy [development] would be equal to dealing a blow to Taiwan’s competitiveness,” it said.
The companies rely on stable and sufficient supply of green energy to meet international requirements and maintain their global standing, it said.
Earlier yesterday, prior to the passage of the amendments, the Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Association and six other renewable energy industry associations issued a joint statement calling for public and transparent hearings before new restrictions are imposed.
As renewable energy policies are tied to the nation’s competitiveness, energy security and long-term development, transparent and comprehensive discussions should be held first, the associations said in the statement.
As the amendments would affect land use rules, as well the ecology, green energy supply and electricity deployment for semiconductor and artificial intelligence companies, it is a significant issue that requires careful examination, they said.
Only when a consensus is reached would the nation avoid jeopardizing green energy development, and safeguard environmental protection and national competitiveness, they said.
The associations added that they were willing to continue discussions with the opposition Taiwan People’s Party to amend the law in a manner that best serves the environment, industry and the nation.
The proposed amendments could cause the nation to fall behind in green energy development and undermine Taiwan’s international competitiveness, they said.
If the restrictions are too severe, it could also affect Taiwan’s ability to participate effectively in the RE100 initiative, weaken power supply stability and disrupt semiconductor supply chain deployment, they said.
Insufficient renewable energy could also increase operational risks for enterprises and jeopardize investment willingness, creating long-term effects on Taiwan’s economy, they said.
The associations said they support improvements to environmental protection and are willing to work with environmental organizations, experts and the government to review and refine the management and review mechanisms for environmentally sensitive areas.
Only through open dialogue and consensus-building can Taiwan develop a governance framework that balances environmental sustainability, green energy supply and international competitiveness, they said.
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