The News Lens
Date: 2017/10/24
By: Tim Ferry

Concern is growing as to whether Taiwan can meet its objectives to both eliminate

受影響地區大範圍停電，部分居民在避風中心使用手機。photo credit: REUTERS/Adrees Latif/達志影像。

nuclear power and greatly cut carbon emissions by 2025. The reliance on nuclear has already fallen sharply, as several reactors that had to be temporarily shut down have not been brought back online. In the meantime, increased generation from coal-fired plants is taking up most of the slack. Due to regulatory and environmental obstacles, solar and wind projects are behind schedule.

A massive blackout on Aug. 15 knocked out power to more than six million households and businesses throughout Taiwan. Beyond the immediate impact, it heightened fears that Taiwan may not be managing its energy transformation well, putting its critical manufacturing sector at risk.

Taiwan’s electronics and machinery sector accounts for more than 50 percent of exports for the trade-dependent nation, with major global players such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), Pegatron (和碩), Hon Hai (鴻海), Micron (美光), and Corning operating at tremendous production capacity. High-tech manufacturing depends on reliable power, and even the briefest interruption in power can result in huge losses.    [FULL  STORY]