Comprehensive overview of renewable energy development in Taiwan

As world population continues to grow, fossil fuels keep decaying and global warming becomes a serious problem, hence meeting the demand of energy is becoming a challenge. After the Fukushima accident in March 2011, more and more people are against the operation of nuclear power plants in Taiwan. Taiwan government has also recognized the increasing need for energy independence, and has passed relevant acts and regulations to promote renewable energy. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of renewable energy development in Taiwan. Current conditions and future prospects of six types of renewable energy in Taiwan are discussed: wind energy, ocean energy, solar energy, biomass energy, geothermal energy and hydropower energy. The findings show that solar thermal energy, photovoltaics and wind energy are the most promising renewable energy sources in Taiwan because of Taiwan's geographical characteristics and technological advantages acquired in the related industries. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.