Penghu to be nation’s first low carbon county

Taiwan’s Council for Economic Planning and Development has approved an NT$8 billion (US$260.9 million) proposal to develop Penghu into the nation’s first low carbon emissions county over the next five years. Upon completion of the project in 2015, renewable energy will account for 56% of the total energy supply in Penghu, generating more electricity than is used by the entire island. Carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 50% compared with 2005. Penghu has great potential for exploring renewable energy as it boasts abundant natural resources such as wind power, solar power and tidal power, a council official said. (November 16, 2010)