Taiwanese Society “Fuhua Association” held the “2024 Energy and Zero Carbon Forum” at National Taiwan University, inviting experts from industry, government, and academia to collectively consider how to achieve the goals of energy transition and zero carbon emissions through innovative technology and management.
Fuhua Association stated that Taiwan, as a country focused on industrial and commercial sectors, considers energy strategy as a top priority of national strategy. With increasing demands from mainstream European and American countries for industries to reduce carbon emissions and requirements for green energy or zero carbon emissions in exported products and services, Taiwan’s industries are facing the need to offset carbon emissions if they use fossil fuel thermal power generation.
The association mentioned that Taiwan still heavily relies on thermal power generation. In addition to actively promoting green energy, carbon capture, storage, and utilization are alternative pathways to achieve zero carbon emissions. Taiwan’s chemical industry has a strong foundation and possesses the capability for technical development and practical application. However, the commercialization and scaling of these technologies require collaboration between industry, government, and academia.
In this regard, on the afternoon of the 7th, Fuhua Association organized a forum focusing on how major carbon emitters such as Taiwan Power Company and China Steel Corporation can capture carbon emissions and utilize the captured carbon. For example, turning it into petrochemical products is not just a theoretical concept but has been proven feasible through preliminary testing facilities. The goal is to pragmatically discuss how Taiwan can truly become a country with zero carbon emissions.
At the forum, Vice Executive Director Lin Zilun of the Office of Energy and Carbon Reduction of the Executive Yuan spoke on the topic of “Our Country’s Strategy and Path to Achieve Zero Carbon Emissions.” Director Lee Zongming of the Materials and Chemical Research Institute of the Industrial Technology Research Institute discussed “Capturing Carbon Emissions from Taiwan Power, China Steel, and Chinese Petroleum to Produce Methanol – We Have Succeeded.” Director Tsai Mingchang of the Refining and Petrochemical Research Institute of Chinese Petroleum spoke about “Taiwan’s Low Carbon Fuel Kickoff – Opportunities and Challenges for Zero Carbon Emissions.” Finally, Professors Shi Xinmin, Lin Jiangzhen, and Xie Guohuang spoke on “Natural Gas to Hydrogen Conversion and Hydrogen Power, and Carbon Dioxide-Organic Material Economic System.”
During his speech, Fuhua Association Chairman Lin Yimin emphasized the need for a practical approach to addressing energy and carbon emission issues in Taiwan. He highlighted that these are highly technical scientific problems closely intertwined with daily life. He expressed the association’s willingness to engage in dialogues with the government, experts, and the general public.
Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Lian Jinzhang emphasized that energy conservation and carbon reduction are essential policies of the Executive Yuan. The ministry actively seeks any feasible technological innovations and accepts good proposals from the private sector.
Lin Zilun specifically addressed the controversies and misinformation surrounding these issues. He noted that Taiwan’s performance in reducing carbon emissions is commendable in Asia, ranking just below Japan. Decarbonization and striving for carbon neutrality are shared goals of nations. The relationship between economic growth and decarbonization has been observed to be disconnected, emphasizing that technological and managerial improvements are key. He stressed the importance of focusing not only on energy generation but also on various energy-saving and carbon reduction measures in buildings.
Director Lee Zongming and Professor Xie Guohuang’s research team at the Industrial Technology Research Institute pointed out that they have successfully completed the pilot plant for carbon capture and methanol production as part of the Steel Transformation Alliance project at China Steel Corporation in Kaohsiung. The conversion of CO2 previously considered waste gas into the basic material methanol required by the petrochemical industry not only significantly reduces reliance on petroleum imports but also effectively addresses national security crises related to potential sea blockades during wartime. Additionally, hydrogen produced during the process can be used for hydrogen fuel cells, as well as for urea production.
The forum attendees expressed great interest in the feasibility of nuclear energy and new technologies, sparking lively discussions. Fuhua Association reiterated its commitment to proposing solutions for Taiwan’s contentious issues by focusing on how technology and science can help achieve current energy transition and carbon reduction goals.