President Tsai Ing-wen (center) gives the thumbs up alongside participants during a sustainability initiative news conference Aug. 18 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Presidential Office)
 

President Tsai Ing-wen said Aug. 18 the government is ensuring the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 remains a cornerstone to cementing the country’s position in the global economy.

The government has implemented energy transition plans since 2016, Tsai said. Greater public-private collaboration is required to address global sustainable development and meet green supply chain demands, she added.

Tsai made the remarks while attending a news conference for an environmental, social, and corporate governance sustainability initiative launched in Taipei City.

Tsai said that Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050 was officially announced this March along with 12 key strategies to integrate cross-ministerial resources and implement net zero transition goals. The government also supports R&D in the critically important areas of hydrogen, geothermal, ocean and biomass energy, she said.

Green energy is an essential component of the six core strategic industries, which were unveiled by President Tsai during her 2020 inauguration and build on the five-plus-two innovative industries program. The other key areas targeted for growth are information and digital technology; cybersecurity; biotech and medical technology; national defense; and strategic stockpile industries. (DL-E)