In 2025, the Republic of China (Taiwan) primarily relies on fossil fuels for electricity, with more than four-fifths of its power coming from these sources. Nearly half of the electricity is generated from natural gas, while coal contributes a bit more than a third. In contrast, low-carbon energy makes up just over 15% of the electricity mix. Solar energy leads the low-carbon sector, generating more than a third of this clean electricity, followed by wind, hydropower, and a small fraction from nuclear. These are important to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, yet their current contributions are still minimal compared to fossil fuels.
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)?
Electricity consumption per person in Taiwan has slightly increased, reaching 12,484 kWh in 2025, just 44 kWh more than the previous record in 2024. This marginal growth in overall consumption might appear positive, but when looking at low-carbon electricity generation, the situation is worrying. The latest data shows a significant drop of 470 kWh per person in low-carbon electricity since reaching a peak in 2013. This decline is concerning, as increasing clean electricity generation is vital for addressing environmental challenges and ensuring a sustainable energy future for Taiwan.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Taiwan can learn from successful regions with strong nuclear and solar programs. For instance, France and Slovakia achieve 70% and 66% of their electricity from nuclear power, respectively, showcasing the potential of this clean energy source. Meanwhile, regions like Nevada and California generate around 30% of their electricity from solar energy, demonstrating the effectiveness of harnessing this abundant resource. Taiwan could focus on expanding its nuclear and solar capacities, which would reduce dependency on fossil fuels and positively impact air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.
History
Looking back, Taiwan previously experienced growth in low-carbon electricity, particularly during the 1980s, when nuclear power consistently expanded. Nuclear energy contributed significantly to low-carbon electricity generation during that period. Unfortunately, the turn of the millennium saw initial setbacks in nuclear energy, followed by a concerning decline beginning in 2015, which has persisted in recent years. However, there was a positive trend in wind energy in 2024. Despite these fluctuations, the focus should now be on revitalizing nuclear and accelerating the adoption of solar energy to ensure a greener and more sustainable electricity supply for Taiwan's future.
