Greenpeace Taiwan Urges Neighborhoods to Support TSMC's Renewable Energy Transition

Strategic Insights -

Greenpeace Taiwan is pushing local neighborhoods to allow Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to generate solar power on their rooftops. The initiative aims to help TSMC transition to renewable energy, citing the benefits of a faster energy transition and increased adoption of solar panels. To date, 25 borough wardens near the Central Taiwan Science Park have signed a pledge, offering over 900 hectares of rooftop space, equivalent to 455 Taipei Arenas and potentially generating 1 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Greenpeace Taiwan is urging neighborhoods to allow TSMC to generate solar power on their rooftops, citing the benefits of a faster energy transition.
  • 25 borough wardens near the Central Taiwan Science Park have signed a pledge, offering over 900 hectares of rooftop space.
  • The offered rooftop space is equivalent to 455 Taipei Arenas and could potentially generate 1 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year.
  • A May survey of residents in Taichung, Tainan, Hsinchu, and Kaohsiung showed that 61% of respondents believed Taiwan's energy transition would speed up with semiconductor firms taking the lead.
  • 46% of survey respondents said they would be willing to install solar panels on their buildings and sell excess electricity to TSMC and other semiconductor firms.
  • Owners of rooftop solar panels can get nearly NT$5 per kWh of electricity sold back to Taiwan Power Co (Taipower), but face high costs due to customized installations.
  • The biggest obstacle to net metering is the administrative procedure, which was drafted for large solar farms, making it difficult for individual households to apply.

Statistics:

  • 900 hectares of rooftop space has been pledged by 25 borough wardens near the Central Taiwan Science Park.
  • The pledged rooftop space is equivalent to 455 Taipei Arenas.
  • The pledged rooftop space could potentially generate 1 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year.
  • 61% of residents in Taichung, Tainan, Hsinchu, and Kaohsiung believe Taiwan's energy transition would speed up with semiconductor firms taking the lead.
  • 46% of survey respondents said they would be willing to install solar panels on their buildings and sell excess electricity.
  • NT$5 per kWh is the average price owners of rooftop solar panels can get from selling electricity back to Taiwan Power Co (Taipower).

Sources:

  • Greenpeace Taiwan
  • Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC)
  • Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Association managing chairman Chen Kun-hung
  • May survey of residents in Taichung, Tainan, Hsinchu, and Kaohsiung
  • Taiwan Power Co (Taipower)