TAIPEI – In an effort to reduce carbon emissions, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen announced on Friday (April 22) that the government will focus on research and development in green energy, smart grids, and energy storage technology.

        "Long-term carbon reduction requires further breakthroughs in new technologies," Tsai stated at an Earth Day sustainability discussion. "Taiwan's industries are geared for export. We need to break into the green supply chain on a global scale "she continued.

        Last year, Taiwan announced its intention to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with the government promising to invest NT$900 billion (US$30.7 billion) by 2030 to achieve this goal. The Cabinet adopted a draft amendment to climate law this week that includes a net-zero objective for 2050 and the implementation of a carbon pricing regime.

        Renewable energy could account for more than 60% of Taiwan's power supply by 2050, according to Tsai, with hydrogen accounting for roughly 10% and thermal power generation with carbon capture accounting for over 20%. According to government figures, coal contributed 45 percent of Taiwan's power in 2020, while liquefied natural gas provided roughly 36%.

        Foxconn, the world's largest contract manufacturer and a major Apple supplier, said on Friday that it aspires to be carbon-neutral by 2050 and utilize "at least 50% green electricity" by 2030.