In the period from September 2024 to August 2025, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has continued on a path heavily reliant on fossil fuels for its electricity consumption. More than four-fifths of the electricity, specifically 84.34%, is generated from fossil energy sources. Within this category, gas and coal are the predominant fuels, contributing 45.99% and 36.91% respectively. Meanwhile, the low-carbon or clean energy proportion stands at 15.66%, with solar power making up a third of this segment at 5.07%, followed by wind power at 4.45% and hydropower at 2.98%. Notably, nuclear energy, which is a vital component of many global low-carbon strategies, contributes just 1.73%. The current distribution indicates a significant challenge for Taiwan to transition more decisively towards cleaner energy solutions, which is crucial for achieving environmental and sustainability goals.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, IEA and 能源統計專區. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Republic of China (Taiwan)?
The electricity consumption in Taiwan has shown a slight decline when comparing recent data. As of 2025, the total electricity consumption per person was 12,387 kWh, which marks a decrease of 56 kWh/person compared to the record year 2024. This regression can be concerning, suggesting either a stagnation or a potential reduction in electricity demand. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation decreased from its peak in 2013, with per capita figures falling by 438 kWh to 1,940 kWh/person. Given the urgent need to increase the share of clean energy, as well as the overall electricity consumption to support industrial growth and modern technologies, these figures represent a worrying trend and necessitate strategic shifts to ensure sustainability and adequacy in electricity generation.
Suggestions
To increase the share of low-carbon electricity, Taiwan should focus on expanding its solar and nuclear capabilities. Lessons can be drawn from successful examples globally. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia have effectively integrated nuclear energy into their electricity mix, achieving more than 60% nuclear share. Similarly, regions such as Nevada and Lebanon show remarkable solar energy integration, at 30% and 31% respectively. Taiwan, with its high solar potential, can emulate their models by incentivizing large-scale solar development and nuclear expansion. These transitions not only mitigate the adverse impacts of fossil fuel consumption, such as air pollution and climate change, but also enhance energy security. Such strategies will ensure Taiwan meets the growing electricity demands essential for a modern, electrified economy.
History
Looking back, Taiwan experienced significant development in its low-carbon electricity sector starting in the early 1980s, with substantial nuclear expansions—growing consistently through the mid-1980s. However, this momentum was interrupted, particularly in the early 21st century, with a notable drop of 3 TWh in 2001. More recently, between 2015 and 2025, nuclear energy faced consistent annual reductions, with a significant drop of 7.2 TWh in 2025 alone. Conversely, wind power has shown a positive trend, with an increase of 4.3 TWh in 2024. The historical volatility of the nuclear sector, despite its potential, highlights the critical need for stable policy support and investments to reinvigorate nuclear growth alongside solar power expansion. With thoughtful and proactive strategies, Taiwan can cement its path toward a sustainable and clean electricity future.
