The ECCT's Low Carbon Initiative (LCI) was a co-organiser of the EnergyOMNI Sustainability Forum, organised by EnergyOMNI together with the ESG Energized Alliance on the topic “New Energy and Agriculture Carbon Reduction Dialogue”. The full day forum brought together experts from various fields to share insights and foster strategic exchanges to advance the transition to net-zero emissions. Presentations were delivered by representatives of the Energy Administration (EA, under the Ministry of Economic Affairs), Taiwan Power Company and ECCT members involved in renewable energy and agriculture in Taiwan. Opening remarks were made by Wu Xin-En, Founder of EnergyOMNI; Hsieh Yun-chiao, Chairperson of the ESG Energized Alliance; Robert Tseng, Chairman of CDWE and the National Marine Engineering Association and ECCT Chairman Giuseppe Izzo.

The development of emerging energy technologies, particularly geothermal and offshore solar, has become a focal point of public interest. In recent times, the potential for advancements in wind farm operations and maintenance, transnational submarine cables, and the application of biofuels and bioenergy has also gained attention. Amidst the drive for decarbonization within the industry, it is crucial to address the economic pressures faced by the agriculture and fishery sectors in reducing carbon emissions.

The morning sessions focused on the field of new energy. Chung-Hsien Chen, Director of the Renewable and Prospective Energy Development Division at the Energy Administration, MOEA, addressed challenges in energy technology, such as independent power grids and carbon storage development in Taiwan. He noted that large corporations have proposed dividing underground spaces into different storage facilities for carbon sequestration, a practice that requires regulatory support. Taiwan's geothermal energy strategy will proceed from shallow (hydrothermal) to deep (enhanced geothermal systems) development.

Tsay Ing-Sheng, Director of the Renewable Energy Division at Taiwan Power Company, highlighted the changes in electricity usage patterns and the challenges to peak demand and grid stability. He pointed out that green energy can help alleviate supply pressure and discussed the potential of citizen power plants operating symbiotically with local communities and the environment.

Ian Hughes, Chief Operating Officer of the Subsea Division at OEG Renewables, emphasized the need for developing local partnerships to support the operations and maintenance of offshore wind energy in the Asia-Pacific region. Such collaborations can reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and provide flexible operations to meet the long-term demands of the renewable energy sector.

Dong Ji-Xu, Chairman of SunRise E&T Corporation, a leading supplier of floating solar platforms worldwide, discussed the dual-use of wind energy and aquaculture systems, utilizing AI technology for aquaculture. He highlighted the integration of marine-based hybrid applications as a future trend.

James Wu, Senior Advisor for Japan Interconnector (Taiwan Region), expressed optimism about the development of submarine cables. As renewable energy installations, such as wind and solar, increase their capacity, issues related to excess electricity and curtailment become more pressing. He stressed the importance of proactive planning to leverage excess power and create new commercial value through international energy transmission via submarine cables.

Claire Lai, Regional Marketing Director for Asia at Baseload Capital, noted that the initial drilling phase in geothermal development entails the highest costs and risks. Engaging with local communities during the development process is essential to ensure mutual benefit and address community needs.

The afternoon sessions focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and carbon reduction in agriculture. Wen Huang, Director of Renewable and Sustainability Advisory at NIRAS, discussed biodiversity offset initiatives and urged the government to strengthen fiscal strategies for biodiversity conservation, supporting local sustainable development.

Chen Yu-Nung, Director of PEIMU Agriculture Product Marketing, emphasized that farmers face limitations in carbon reduction due to a lack of funds and technology. He called for enhanced agricultural carbon reduction technology development and collaboration with industry to help farmers achieve carbon reduction goals while addressing climate change.

Marian Chiang, Senior Vice President & Executive Assistant to the President of FCF Co., Ltd., shared how her company implements sustainable fisheries through supply chain management and electronic monitoring systems. She underscored the need for a coordinated effort across the entire fisheries sector to achieve carbon reduction goals, expressing a desire to collaborate with more partners.

Luuk F van Heerde, Director of Green Flash, stressed the importance of furthering the application of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region. He noted that Taiwan has yet to fully realize the potential of this energy source and called for stronger policy support to foster the growth of the biofuel market.

Jim Tai, General Manager of REMONDIS Taiwan, pointed out that Taiwan's strong agricultural, forestry, fishery, and livestock foundation presents vast potential for bioenergy development. Compared to Europe, Taiwan's biomass energy plants offer greater competitive advantages.

The forum offered an in-depth and comprehensive discussion. The event venue, chosen for its historical significance, symbolizes ECCT's and EnergyOMNI's continued dedication to fostering dialogue on diverse topics, contributing to Taiwan's energy transition and carbon reduction goals.