Taiwan and US Collaborate to Enhance Energy Resilience

Taiwan is seeking to strengthen its energy resilience through collaboration with the United States, emphasizing the need for diversified energy options and expanded storage capacity. This was highlighted during a seminar hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington on Thursday, where Taiwanese and US experts discussed strategies to enhance Taiwan’s energy security.

Strategic Cooperation on Energy Resilience

During the seminar, experts underscored the importance of maintaining electricity production and reliable energy shipments, particularly in the face of potential threats. Joseph Webster, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, advocated for a dedicated team from the US government to assist Taiwan in bolstering its energy resilience. He proposed that this joint task force could comprise personnel from the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and various national laboratories. Webster stressed that the US should prioritize meaningful support for Taiwan rather than engaging in mere symbolic gestures regarding its policy on China.

Webster pointed out that Taiwan relies heavily on imports for its petroleum products, with nearly all of these supplies arriving through predictable maritime routes. He noted that the northern region of Taiwan, which houses 40 percent of the population and the seat of government, lacks energy self-sufficiency. To address this, he called for an urgent need to diversify energy sources and expand reserves, including investments in nuclear, oil, and solar energy tailored to regional needs.

Mitigating Risks and Enhancing Infrastructure

According to Liu Tsai-ying, director of the Energy Resilience Program at the Research Institute for Democracy, Science and Emerging Technology, Taiwan must consider the risks posed by potential maritime actions from Beijing that could deplete its energy reserves. Liu recommended increasing logistical flexibility, such as engaging in cargo swapping with allies like Japan and South Korea, to counteract the effects of a Chinese blockade on energy shipments.

Transforming the energy infrastructure and building power storage systems are essential steps for Taiwan to enhance its energy security. Liu noted that a combination of coal and renewable energy could cover 80 percent of the nation’s essential energy needs, provided there are measures for conservation and rationing. Additionally, she highlighted the need to decentralize critical cyber and physical infrastructure to address vulnerabilities linked to Taiwan’s highly centralized power systems.

Taiwan’s efforts to increase defense spending and invest in US arms, agricultural products, and energy exports have been commendable, according to Webster. He emphasized that protecting national security may require Taiwan to explore options beyond traditional military capabilities to ensure its energy resilience in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.