President Tsai Ing-wen (center) and other senior government officials give the thumbs-up during the launch ceremony of a solar power facility Feb. 23 in New Taipei City. (CNA)

President Tsai Ing-wen said Feb. 23 that the government is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to promote green energy with the goal of strengthening Taiwan’s global competitiveness while achieving sustainable development.

Green energy is a top policy priority, as demonstrated by various solar power projects that are spearheading Taiwan’s energy transformation, Tsai said. In addition to creating a better, cleaner environment for future generations, such endeavors are key to enhancing Taiwan’s industrial advantages in the increasingly competitive global economy, she added.

Tsai made the remarks during the launch ceremony for a new solar power facility in New Taipei City.

According to Tsai, an increasing number of corporate heavyweights like U.S.-headquartered Apple Inc. and Google have joined the international initiative RE100, which commits members to the goal of using 100 percent renewable power.

Public and private sector cooperation in developing clean energy is vital given businesses accounted for half of Taiwan’s power consumption last year, Tsai said, adding more than 300 local firms are now required to source 10 percent of their power from green energy within five years under a new law that came into effect in January.

Tsai said the regulation is just one of many government initiatives aimed at promoting clean energy, such as a task force led by Vice Premier Shen Jong-chin that is assisting with the installation of rooftop solar panels on public premises.

Many companies are taking up the government’s call to adopt solar energy, Tsai said, adding her administration will continue to roll out supportive measures in this regard. (SFC-E)