Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chen Chern-chyi led the delegation to the 14th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting convened in Lima, Peru, on August 15 and 16, sharing Taiwan's achievements in renewable energy development, just energy transition experience, and hydrogen energy development goals. All attending member economies and industry representatives agreed that energy transition should be carried out in a just, orderly, and inclusive manner, while also recognizing the importance of clean and low-carbon hydrogen energy to reduction of GHG emissions.

This year's meeting was chaired by Peru Minister of Energy and Mines Romulo Mucho, and all attending member economies agreed to issue a joint ministerial statement, welcoming the establishment of the "Just Energy Transition Initiative," and endorsed the "APEC Policy Guidance to Develop and Implement Clean and Low-Carbon Hydrogen Policy Frameworks in the Asia-Pacific."

In his remark during discussion on "advancing energy transitions across the APEC region," Deputy Minister Chen shared Taiwan's recognition of the importance of just energy transition to a net-zero future, and explained the government's introduction of the innovative Aquavoltaics Development policy due to Taiwan's limited land resources to promote a green economy and create new job opportunities. Deputy Minister Chen also mentioned that the Sixth Energy Smart Communities Initiative (ESCI) Best Practices Awards Program included "just transition" as an evaluation criterion for the first time this year and recognized cases from member economies like Taiwan, U.S., and Canada, which all incorporated methods of promoting just energy transition. Taiwan's project received the Gold Medal in the Smart Jobs & Consumers category, and was also highlighted by Ariadne BenAissa, Lead Shepherd of the APEC Energy Working Group (EWG), as a great example in enhancing just energy transition.

Regarding "importance of energy access in promoting sustainable growth," member economies acknowledged the importance of striking a balance between ensuring energy access and ending energy poverty in the process of promoting clean energy transition. Deputy Minister Chen shared Taiwan's FiT scheme that encourages renewable energy installation in indigenous and remote areas, while also expressing Taiwan's willingness to exchange and cooperate with all member economies on energy access policies, technologies, and measures.

When discussing "policies and actions for hydrogen development in APEC economies to promote sustainable growth," Deputy Minister Chen shared that the manufacturing sector is the focus of Taiwan's economic development, and using hydrogen in the manufacturing process will help to realize net-zero emissions. He also expressed that international trade is the most optimal path to facilitate the development and application of hydrogen energy, and establishing basic regulations for international hydrogen energy trade is a goal all member economies should strive towards in the future. Deputy Minister Chen also voiced his support for the "APEC Policy Guidance to Develop and Implement Clean and Low-Carbon Hydrogen Policy Frameworks in the Asia-Pacific" proposed by host country Peru, hoping that hydrogen energy trade can be realized as early as possible with advancement in related technology and business model.

Ministry of Economic Affairs noted, during this year's APEC EMM14, all member economies exchanged and shared concrete methods for energy sustainable development, making this a meaningful multilateral forum where Taiwan was able to demonstrate our dedicated spirit and achievements in promoting net-zero transition.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs Deputy Director General, Chun-Li Lee
Phone Number: 02-2775-7700, 0936-250-838
Email: chunlee@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Director, Fang-Ling Liao
Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Phone Number: 02-2775-7710, 0912-089-923
Email: flliao@moeaea.gov.tw