Develop New Energies and Conserve Old Energies

Develop New Energies and Conserve Old Energies

Ma Ying-jeou Office Press Release
July 26, 2007

KMT Presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou visited Chang-Bin Wind Farm on July 26. Changhua County Executive Cho Po-yuan, who accompanied Ma on the trip, gave a briefing on the county’s new energy policies, which cover wind power, solar energy, and biomass energy. According to the Cho, the county has the best conditions for the development of wind energy in the county. The county currently contributes 23% of the country’s wind power on a yearly basis. The figure is expected to hit 32% when construction of all facilities is completed. Cho also revealed plans to promote solar energy architecture with biomass energy facilities in order to reduce production of greenhouse gas. Last but not least, the county has also decided to promote the concept of “green architecture” and introduce energy conservation programs.

Meanwhile, Ma points out that while economic growth for the past seven years is 3.7%, energy consumption for the same period has surged by 7.8%. Despite the fact that Taiwan is not a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, it cannot keep turning a blind eye to the possibility that one day it might be subject to the sanctions of international environmental protection organizations, and the catastrophic damages this might bring to the country’s economy.

Ma emphasizes the fact that with high population density and limited space and resources, Taiwan could not afford to delay the development of new energies. Development of new energies, notes Ma, should take into account local circumstances. Changhua County has successful experience in wind energy and is in the process of developing solar energy and biomass energy. Ma calls on Cho to share the secrets of the county’s success with the rest of the country.

Ma observes that the central government should be responsible for establishing an environment conducive to the sustainable development of Taiwan’s renewable energies, and producing policies and human resources with skills, know-how, productivity, innovation, and a high level competitiveness. In order to achieve this, Taiwan must map out the National Renewable Energy Policies as soon as possible. The country cannot wait any longer!

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