The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today (10th) released the "2025 Taiwan White Paper," highlighting Taiwan's energy challenges. The report emphasizes that as Taiwan phases out nuclear energy and moves towards a "nuclear-free homeland," the country's baseline power generation faces challenges due to reduced coal use in line with carbon reduction targets, along with global fuel supply disruptions, which hinder gas power generation. This poses a risk of insufficient power supply for critical industries such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).

The white paper stresses the need for Taiwan to enhance clarity, administrative efficiency, and pricing mechanisms to support the transition to renewable energy while maintaining the competitiveness of industrial electricity rates. By ensuring stable power supply, market reform, and transparent long-term planning, Taiwan can strengthen its energy security and resilience.

Dan Silver, chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, noted that last year, he visited 222 member companies, with 90% of respondents indicating plans to maintain or increase their investments in Taiwan by 2025, demonstrating strong confidence in the investment environment. A recent business climate survey found that members believe the most pressing issue for the Taiwan government in the next 1-3 years is energy, which is unprecedented. Taiwan should adopt emerging technologies to keep up with electricity supply needs and consider various energy sources with an open mindset.

Silver highlighted that Taiwan houses clusters of industries such as semiconductors, AI, and quantum computing, which rely heavily on electricity. More attention must be given to ensuring stable power supply and transparent, stable pricing to foster the long-term development of these emerging industries.

Regarding Taiwan's energy solutions, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) has expressed its willingness to assist Taiwan in developing nuclear energy this year. Carl Wegner, executive director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that the chamber has over 500 members from various energy sectors and does not focus on any particular energy type but hopes for a stable and predictable power supply for Taiwan.

Wegner further stated that as Taiwan's investments in the U.S. increase, the relationship between the two will deepen, but many small and medium-sized enterprises in the supply chain will struggle to bear the burden of double taxation. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is actively promoting the signing of an agreement to avoid double taxation, helping to alleviate problems for Taiwan's SMEs and facilitating the expansion of Taiwanese investments in the U.S.