In brief
With rising tensions from China, Taiwan is focused on securing its energy supply through clean and sustainable means.
In the face of increasing threats from China, Taiwan is stepping up efforts to secure its energy future. The island, known for producing most of the world's advanced computer chips, has long relied on imported energy—over 96%—primarily from oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas from overseas. As highlighted in a Chinese military publication, Taiwan's reliance on these imports poses a serious vulnerability that could be exploited by blocking maritime trade routes. Recent military exercises by China have simulated strategies aimed at cutting off Taiwan's energy supply, raising alarms not just for the island but for the global economy, which depends on its tech manufacturing prowess. With the climatological impact and rising demand from semiconductor industries, especially AI chip production, Taiwan's energy resilience is under the spotlight. To combat this, Taiwan is now looking underground for solutions, tapping into geothermal energy sources hidden deep under its mountains. Utilizing repurposed oil rigs, the state oil company has begun drilling geothermal wells to secure a more stable and self-sufficient energy supply. As Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) constructs new facilities on the island, developing its own energy sources could be critical for maintaining its role in the global tech economy, while also fortifying the island against external threats.
