Renewable Energy Development Act
2023-06-21
手機睡眠
語音選擇
Article 1
For purposes of encouraging renewable energy use, promoting energy diversification, improving energy structure, reducing emission of greenhouse gases, improving environmental quality, assisting relevant industries, and enhancing sustainable development of the country, this Act is specially formulated.
Article 2
The competent authorities referred to in this Act are: the Ministry of Economic Affairs at the central level; the municipal governments at the municipal level; the county (city) governments at the county (city) level.
Article 3
Definitions of terms used in the Act:
1. Renewable energy: Refers to solar energy, biomass energy, geothermal energy, ocean energy, wind energy, non-pumped storage hydroelectric power, energy generated by direct use or treatment of domestic general waste and general industrial waste, or other energy approved for sustainable use by the central competent authority.
2. Biomass energy: Refers to energy generated from direct use or treatment of vegetation, marsh gas, and domestic organic waste.
3. Geothermal energy: Refers to energy from soil, rock, steam or hot spring below the natural surface of the earth.
4. Ocean energy: Refers to energy generated from the temperature difference between waters, sea waves, ocean currents, tides, salinity gradient, or other sources.
5. Wind power system: Refers to energy generated from wind power is converted into electricity.
6. Offshore wind power system: Refers to energy generated from wind power is converted into electricity with offshore wind farm installed in waters outside the subtidal line.
7. Small hydropower: Refers to a power generation method that converts non-pumped storage hydroelectricity by using the original water volume and drop difference of waterways, ditches, pipelines or other hydraulic structures for purposes other than hydraulic water use, by directly installing or setting up bypass waterways, and the installed capacity is less than 20,000 kilowatts.
8. Hydrogen energy: Refers to energy generated from hydrogen produced from decomposing water, from bacteria or algae decomposition or fermentation, or from other sources of renewable energies for the purpose of energy use.
9. Fuel cell: Refers to a device that converts chemical energy generated by electrochemical reaction from hydrogen and oxygen into electric energy.
10. Heat utilization of renewable energy: Refers to utilization of energy by heat or fuel instead of power generation.
11. Renewable energy power generation equipment: Refers to renewable energy power generation equipment ratified by the central competent authority pursuant to regulations under Paragraph 4 of Article 4 except for facilities of non-small hydropower facilities generating energy from burning waste directly.
12. Avoided cost: Refers to the average yearly cost of self-generating or purchasing non-renewable energy power from other suppliers.
13. Renewable energy certificates (RECs): Refers to a certificate issued after the issuing authority conducts verification of renewable energy power generation facilities and their capacity.
14. Energy Storage equipment: Refers to a equipment for power storage and power maintenance, including storage units, power conversion facilities, and power management systems.
The subtidal line of offshore wind power system prescribed in Subparagraph 6 in the preceding paragraph shall be announced by the central competent authority.
1. Renewable energy: Refers to solar energy, biomass energy, geothermal energy, ocean energy, wind energy, non-pumped storage hydroelectric power, energy generated by direct use or treatment of domestic general waste and general industrial waste, or other energy approved for sustainable use by the central competent authority.
2. Biomass energy: Refers to energy generated from direct use or treatment of vegetation, marsh gas, and domestic organic waste.
3. Geothermal energy: Refers to energy from soil, rock, steam or hot spring below the natural surface of the earth.
4. Ocean energy: Refers to energy generated from the temperature difference between waters, sea waves, ocean currents, tides, salinity gradient, or other sources.
5. Wind power system: Refers to energy generated from wind power is converted into electricity.
6. Offshore wind power system: Refers to energy generated from wind power is converted into electricity with offshore wind farm installed in waters outside the subtidal line.
7. Small hydropower: Refers to a power generation method that converts non-pumped storage hydroelectricity by using the original water volume and drop difference of waterways, ditches, pipelines or other hydraulic structures for purposes other than hydraulic water use, by directly installing or setting up bypass waterways, and the installed capacity is less than 20,000 kilowatts.
8. Hydrogen energy: Refers to energy generated from hydrogen produced from decomposing water, from bacteria or algae decomposition or fermentation, or from other sources of renewable energies for the purpose of energy use.
9. Fuel cell: Refers to a device that converts chemical energy generated by electrochemical reaction from hydrogen and oxygen into electric energy.
10. Heat utilization of renewable energy: Refers to utilization of energy by heat or fuel instead of power generation.
11. Renewable energy power generation equipment: Refers to renewable energy power generation equipment ratified by the central competent authority pursuant to regulations under Paragraph 4 of Article 4 except for facilities of non-small hydropower facilities generating energy from burning waste directly.
12. Avoided cost: Refers to the average yearly cost of self-generating or purchasing non-renewable energy power from other suppliers.
13. Renewable energy certificates (RECs): Refers to a certificate issued after the issuing authority conducts verification of renewable energy power generation facilities and their capacity.
14. Energy Storage equipment: Refers to a equipment for power storage and power maintenance, including storage units, power conversion facilities, and power management systems.
The subtidal line of offshore wind power system prescribed in Subparagraph 6 in the preceding paragraph shall be announced by the central competent authority.
Article 4
The central competent authority shall consider the domestic climate, energy demand characteristics, and the economic benefits, technological development, and other factors of different renewable energies upon promoting renewable energy power generation equipment.
The renewable energy power generation facilities with the installed capacity of more than 2,000 kilowatts shall be recognized by the central competent authority. Those facilities with installed capacity of less than 2,000 kilowatts shall be recognized by the municipal or county (city) competent authority.
Renewable energy power generation equipment approved by the central competent authority according to the regulations prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be applicable to the parallel connection and wholesale purchasing provisions stipulated under this Act.
The regulations on the energy category, installed capacity, inspection method, approval procedure and other relevant matters for compliance of the renewable energy power generation equipment in the preceding paragraph shall be stipulated by the central competent authority.
Electricity enterprises may install self-use renewable energy power generation equipment with installed capacity of less than 2,000 kilowatts.
The renewable energy power generation facilities with the installed capacity of more than 2,000 kilowatts shall be recognized by the central competent authority. Those facilities with installed capacity of less than 2,000 kilowatts shall be recognized by the municipal or county (city) competent authority.
Renewable energy power generation equipment approved by the central competent authority according to the regulations prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be applicable to the parallel connection and wholesale purchasing provisions stipulated under this Act.
The regulations on the energy category, installed capacity, inspection method, approval procedure and other relevant matters for compliance of the renewable energy power generation equipment in the preceding paragraph shall be stipulated by the central competent authority.
Electricity enterprises may install self-use renewable energy power generation equipment with installed capacity of less than 2,000 kilowatts.
Article 5
When the installed capacity of self-use renewable energy power generation facilities is less than 500 kilowatts, the facilities are not subject to regulations governing the placement of a directorial engineer prescribed in Article 71 under the Electricity Act.
As for renewable energy power generation equipment, unless otherwise stipulated in the preceding paragraph, Article 4, 8, 9 and 14, the application for installation, constructions, operation, supervision, registration and management are subject to the relevant provisions under the Electricity Act.
The aforesaid constructions include design, supervision, installation, operation, renovation, inspection and maintenance.
As for renewable energy power generation equipment, unless otherwise stipulated in the preceding paragraph, Article 4, 8, 9 and 14, the application for installation, constructions, operation, supervision, registration and management are subject to the relevant provisions under the Electricity Act.
The aforesaid constructions include design, supervision, installation, operation, renovation, inspection and maintenance.
Article 6
The central competent authority may take into account the renewable energy’s development potential and the impact on the domestic economy and stable power supply in order to set the promotion objectives for renewable energy and the percentage of each category and formulate and announce development plans and initiatives for the next two years and by 2025; meanwhile, the promotion objectives for the total amount of electricity generated by renewable energy power generation equipment by 2025 is set to be more than 27,000,000 kilowatts.
The municipal and the county (city) governments shall assist in evaluating the potential for the development of relevant renewable energy in their areas pursuant to the aforesaid plans and objectives.
The central competent authority shall review the categories of renewable energy prescribed in Paragraph 1 in terms of the economic benefits, technological development and relevant factors of different renewable energies.
The promotion objectives and schedule for heat utilization of renewable energy shall be stipulated by the central competent authority depending on the economic benefits, technological developments, and relevant factors.
The municipal and the county (city) governments shall assist in evaluating the potential for the development of relevant renewable energy in their areas pursuant to the aforesaid plans and objectives.
The central competent authority shall review the categories of renewable energy prescribed in Paragraph 1 in terms of the economic benefits, technological development and relevant factors of different renewable energies.
The promotion objectives and schedule for heat utilization of renewable energy shall be stipulated by the central competent authority depending on the economic benefits, technological developments, and relevant factors.
Article 7
The central competent authority should establish a renewable energy development fund in order to develop renewable energy. The sources of income of the aforesaid fund are as follows:
1. An amount of fees calculated at a certain percentage of its retailing amount of electricity generated from non-renewable energy charged from electricity retailing enterprises;
2. An amount of fees calculated as a certain percentage based on the amount of electricity generated by the self-use power generation facilities paid by those who install self-use power generation facilities of non-renewable energy;
3. The budget allocated by following the budget processes; and
4. Other related income.
Regulations governing the collection, procedure, deadline, certain percentage, certain installed capacity, and other relevant matters regarding the fund shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
The aforesaid fund in Paragraph 1 shall be used for the following purposes:
1. to subsidize renewable energy facilities;
2. to conduct the resources inventories, subsidize demonstration cases, promote the use of renewable energy, and assist in setting up certification institutions;
3. to subsidize the development of power generation and storage of renewable energy;
4. to spend the fund on or subsidize the recognition and audit of renewable power generation facilities in relation to this Act.
5. for other purposes related to the development of renewable energy approved by the central competent authority.
The renewable energy development fund shall prefer subsidizing the renewable energy power generation equipment installed in indigenous areas.
The fees paid by the electricity retailing utility enterprise to the fund pursuant to Subparagraph 1 of Paragraph 2 shall be in line with the formulae that calculate the rates of electricity prescribed in Paragraph 1 of Article 49 under the Electricity Act.
1. An amount of fees calculated at a certain percentage of its retailing amount of electricity generated from non-renewable energy charged from electricity retailing enterprises;
2. An amount of fees calculated as a certain percentage based on the amount of electricity generated by the self-use power generation facilities paid by those who install self-use power generation facilities of non-renewable energy;
3. The budget allocated by following the budget processes; and
4. Other related income.
Regulations governing the collection, procedure, deadline, certain percentage, certain installed capacity, and other relevant matters regarding the fund shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
The aforesaid fund in Paragraph 1 shall be used for the following purposes:
1. to subsidize renewable energy facilities;
2. to conduct the resources inventories, subsidize demonstration cases, promote the use of renewable energy, and assist in setting up certification institutions;
3. to subsidize the development of power generation and storage of renewable energy;
4. to spend the fund on or subsidize the recognition and audit of renewable power generation facilities in relation to this Act.
5. for other purposes related to the development of renewable energy approved by the central competent authority.
The renewable energy development fund shall prefer subsidizing the renewable energy power generation equipment installed in indigenous areas.
The fees paid by the electricity retailing utility enterprise to the fund pursuant to Subparagraph 1 of Paragraph 2 shall be in line with the formulae that calculate the rates of electricity prescribed in Paragraph 1 of Article 49 under the Electricity Act.
Article 8
When an operator of renewable energy power generation facilities puts in request for connection to the power grid, Article 8 and 18 under the Electricity Act shall be applicable. The technical regulations on parallel connection to the power grid shall be drafted by electricity transmission and distribution enterprises and shall be submitted to the central competent authority for approval.
In the situation in which an electricity enterprise connects to the power grid according to the preceding paragraph, the costs of bolstering the power grid in addition to the existing networks may be shared by renewable-energy-based electricity generating enterprises and electricity transmission and distribution enterprises. The cost-sharing mechanism shall be provided by electricity transmission and distribution enterprises and shall be submitted to the central competent authority for approval. The central competent authority may invite relevant government agencies, scholars and experts, and organizations to form a committee to review the cost-sharing mechanism.
When the installed capacity of renewable-energy-based electricity generating enterprises and self-use renewable energy power generation facilities installed is less than 2,000 kilowatts, the installers may independently or jointly set up transformer facilities, install networks, and connect to the power grid. The rights and obligations of jointly setting up facilities shall be reached through negotiation between the installers. In case of any disputes, the regulations prescribed in Article 19 shall apply mutatis mutandis.
The installer of renewable energy power generation equipment shall install and maintain the circuits connecting renewable energy power generation facilities and power grid; the electricity transmission and distribution enterprises with which its power generation facilities are paralleled to the installer’s facilities shall provide assistance when necessary; the renewable energy power generation equipment installers shall bear the costs incurred.
In the situation in which an electricity enterprise connects to the power grid according to the preceding paragraph, the costs of bolstering the power grid in addition to the existing networks may be shared by renewable-energy-based electricity generating enterprises and electricity transmission and distribution enterprises. The cost-sharing mechanism shall be provided by electricity transmission and distribution enterprises and shall be submitted to the central competent authority for approval. The central competent authority may invite relevant government agencies, scholars and experts, and organizations to form a committee to review the cost-sharing mechanism.
When the installed capacity of renewable-energy-based electricity generating enterprises and self-use renewable energy power generation facilities installed is less than 2,000 kilowatts, the installers may independently or jointly set up transformer facilities, install networks, and connect to the power grid. The rights and obligations of jointly setting up facilities shall be reached through negotiation between the installers. In case of any disputes, the regulations prescribed in Article 19 shall apply mutatis mutandis.
The installer of renewable energy power generation equipment shall install and maintain the circuits connecting renewable energy power generation facilities and power grid; the electricity transmission and distribution enterprises with which its power generation facilities are paralleled to the installer’s facilities shall provide assistance when necessary; the renewable energy power generation equipment installers shall bear the costs incurred.
Article 9
The central competent authority shall invite the relevant government agencies, scholars and experts, and organizations to form a committee to validate the wholesale purchase rate and such calculation formula for the renewable energy power generation equipment generated electricity, and when necessary, hearings may be held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act prior the announcement of the said rate and formula, and the aforesaid wholesale purchase rate and calculation formula may be reviewed or amended in considering the technical progress in power generation, changes in cost, goal achievement and related factors of each type of renewable energy on an annual basis.
The rate calculation formula in the preceding paragraph will be stipulated by the central competent authority through integrated consideration for the average installation cost, service life, operation and maintenance fees, annual electricity generation capacity, fisheries compensation, electricity development assistance fund, maintenance and decommissioning cost, remote -sites, and related factors for each type of renewable energy power generation equipment in accordance with each type of renewable energy.
When renewable energy power generation facilities are installed in indigenous areas, the weighed wholesale purchase rates shall be taken into integrated consideration.
The electricity generated by renewable energy power generation facilities shall be purchased by the electricity retailing utility enterprise at wholesale except for direct supply, wheeling, private use, and reselling to the renewable-energy-based electricity retailing enterprises prescribed under the Electricity Act.
When the electricity retailing utility enterprise purchases electricity generated from renewable energy at wholesale according to the preceding paragraph, the enterprise shall sign a contract with the installers of renewable energy power generation facilities, and the contract shall be submitted to the central competent authority for future reference.
From the date this Act is promulgated and enters into force, the electricity generated by an installer of renewable energy power generation facilities will be purchased at the wholesale purchase rate announced by the central competent authority as prescribed in Paragraph 1 when the installers sign a contract with the electricity retailing utility enterprise according to regulations prescribed in the preceding paragraph.
When the electricity generated from renewable energy for direct supply or wheeling according to the Electricity Act is sold at wholesale according to this Act, or when surplus electricity is sold at wholesale according to this Act, the electricity rate announced at the time the renewable energy power generation facilities start to run shall be applicable.
When an operator signs an electricity purchase and sale contract with an electricity enterprise before the promulgation and implementation of this Act, the electricity generated by its renewable energy power generation facilities can be purchased at wholesale at the original rate.
Renewable energy power generation facilities under any of the following circumstances shall be purchased at wholesale either at the avoided cost or the rate referred to in Paragraph 1, at the comparably lower rate:
1. Prior to the promulgation and enforcement of this Act, enterprises already in operation that have not entered into electricity purchase and sale contracts with electricity enterprises.
2. Enterprises in operation for over twenty (20) years.
3. Enterprises who installed such facilities after the nationwide gross installed capacity of renewable energy power generation facilities has reached the total amount of electricity generated by renewable energy power generation facilities as set forth in Paragraph 1 of Article 6.
The avoided cost in the preceding paragraph will be formulated by the electricity retailing utility enterprise and submitted to the central competent authority for approval.
The rate calculation formula in the preceding paragraph will be stipulated by the central competent authority through integrated consideration for the average installation cost, service life, operation and maintenance fees, annual electricity generation capacity, fisheries compensation, electricity development assistance fund, maintenance and decommissioning cost, remote -sites, and related factors for each type of renewable energy power generation equipment in accordance with each type of renewable energy.
When renewable energy power generation facilities are installed in indigenous areas, the weighed wholesale purchase rates shall be taken into integrated consideration.
The electricity generated by renewable energy power generation facilities shall be purchased by the electricity retailing utility enterprise at wholesale except for direct supply, wheeling, private use, and reselling to the renewable-energy-based electricity retailing enterprises prescribed under the Electricity Act.
When the electricity retailing utility enterprise purchases electricity generated from renewable energy at wholesale according to the preceding paragraph, the enterprise shall sign a contract with the installers of renewable energy power generation facilities, and the contract shall be submitted to the central competent authority for future reference.
From the date this Act is promulgated and enters into force, the electricity generated by an installer of renewable energy power generation facilities will be purchased at the wholesale purchase rate announced by the central competent authority as prescribed in Paragraph 1 when the installers sign a contract with the electricity retailing utility enterprise according to regulations prescribed in the preceding paragraph.
When the electricity generated from renewable energy for direct supply or wheeling according to the Electricity Act is sold at wholesale according to this Act, or when surplus electricity is sold at wholesale according to this Act, the electricity rate announced at the time the renewable energy power generation facilities start to run shall be applicable.
When an operator signs an electricity purchase and sale contract with an electricity enterprise before the promulgation and implementation of this Act, the electricity generated by its renewable energy power generation facilities can be purchased at wholesale at the original rate.
Renewable energy power generation facilities under any of the following circumstances shall be purchased at wholesale either at the avoided cost or the rate referred to in Paragraph 1, at the comparably lower rate:
1. Prior to the promulgation and enforcement of this Act, enterprises already in operation that have not entered into electricity purchase and sale contracts with electricity enterprises.
2. Enterprises in operation for over twenty (20) years.
3. Enterprises who installed such facilities after the nationwide gross installed capacity of renewable energy power generation facilities has reached the total amount of electricity generated by renewable energy power generation facilities as set forth in Paragraph 1 of Article 6.
The avoided cost in the preceding paragraph will be formulated by the electricity retailing utility enterprise and submitted to the central competent authority for approval.
Article 10
The cost of bolstering the power grid of electricity transmission and distribution enterprises pursuant to Paragraph 2 of Article 8 and the cost of purchasing electricity generated from renewable energy at wholesale of the electricity retailing utility enterprise pursuant to Paragraph 6 of the preceding article shall be in line with the calculation formula of the electricity rate and other rates prescribed by the central competent authority according to Paragraph 1 of Article 19.
Article 11
For renewable energy power generation facilities and energy storage facilities with development potential, in the preliminary stage of technical development, the central competent authority may provide relevant reward encouragement within a certain period for the purpose of demonstration.
For cooperatives, civil power plants jointly established by the public of a community, or renewable energy power generation and energy storage facilities installed in indigenous areas, the central competent authority may provide relevant reward within a certain period for the purpose of demonstration.
Regulations governing the aforesaid reward for demonstration shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
For cooperatives, civil power plants jointly established by the public of a community, or renewable energy power generation and energy storage facilities installed in indigenous areas, the central competent authority may provide relevant reward within a certain period for the purpose of demonstration.
Regulations governing the aforesaid reward for demonstration shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
Article 12
In the event of new construction, expansion, reconstruction of public construction or public buildings by government bodies (institutions), public schools, state-run enterprises, the construction conditions in compliance with the terms of renewable energy installation shall install renewable energy power generation equipment.
The construction conditions in compliance with the terms of renewable energy installation in the preceding paragraph will be stipulated by the central competent authority in consultation with the central authority concerning such matters.
When the chartered capacity on electricity consumption agreements signed by the user of electricity exceeds a certain capacity, the user shall install on their own or provide space to install renewable energy power generation and storage facilities with certain installed capacity or purchase a certain amount of electricity generated from renewable energy and a certificate; If the user fails to take actions according to the aforesaid regulations, the user shall pay monetary substitution to the competent authority for the purpose of the development of renewable energy.
The aforesaid chartered capacity, certain installed capacity, certain amount, categories of the renewable energy power generation facilities installed, categories of storage facilities, payment of monetary substitution and calculation formula, schedule and other relevant matters will be stipulated by the central competent authority.
To be in line with the characteristics and planning of the local development, the local governments may prescribe and implement stricter autonomous laws and regulations within their jurisdiction than the aforesaid regulations.
The construction conditions in compliance with the terms of renewable energy installation in the preceding paragraph will be stipulated by the central competent authority in consultation with the central authority concerning such matters.
When the chartered capacity on electricity consumption agreements signed by the user of electricity exceeds a certain capacity, the user shall install on their own or provide space to install renewable energy power generation and storage facilities with certain installed capacity or purchase a certain amount of electricity generated from renewable energy and a certificate; If the user fails to take actions according to the aforesaid regulations, the user shall pay monetary substitution to the competent authority for the purpose of the development of renewable energy.
The aforesaid chartered capacity, certain installed capacity, certain amount, categories of the renewable energy power generation facilities installed, categories of storage facilities, payment of monetary substitution and calculation formula, schedule and other relevant matters will be stipulated by the central competent authority.
To be in line with the characteristics and planning of the local development, the local governments may prescribe and implement stricter autonomous laws and regulations within their jurisdiction than the aforesaid regulations.
Article 12-1
New buildings or additional or rebuilt constructions for existing buildings shall install solar photovoltaic power generation facilities with a certain installation capacity or more; unless there are insufficient light receiving conditions or other exempt circumstances.
The standards for the building range, certain scale, certain installation capacity and its calculation method, light receiving conditions, exemptions and other related matters in the preceding paragraph shall be determined by the central competent authority of construction in conjunction with the central competent authority.
The standards for the building range, certain scale, certain installation capacity and its calculation method, light receiving conditions, exemptions and other related matters in the preceding paragraph shall be determined by the central competent authority of construction in conjunction with the central competent authority.
Article 13
The central competent authority may consider reasonable costs and profits for the following heat utilization of renewable energy and shall prescribe regulations on subsidies and reward for heat utilization according to the effectiveness of their energy contribution:
1. Heat utilization of solar energy
2. Biomass fuel.
3. General waste or industrial waste into fuel after processing.
4.Other renewable energy heat utilization technologies with development potential.
For the heat utilization in the previous Paragraph, such subsidy expenses for the substituted portions of petroleum energy may be financed by the Petroleum Fund under the Petroleum Administration Act.
Reward expenses for the exploitation of fallow land or idle land for agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry to plant energy crops for producing biomass fuel will be financed by the Agricultural Development Fund; regulations governing such reward eligibility, conditions and subsidy methods, and schedule shall be prescribed by the central competent authority in conjunction with the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan.
1. Heat utilization of solar energy
2. Biomass fuel.
3. General waste or industrial waste into fuel after processing.
4.Other renewable energy heat utilization technologies with development potential.
For the heat utilization in the previous Paragraph, such subsidy expenses for the substituted portions of petroleum energy may be financed by the Petroleum Fund under the Petroleum Administration Act.
Reward expenses for the exploitation of fallow land or idle land for agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry to plant energy crops for producing biomass fuel will be financed by the Agricultural Development Fund; regulations governing such reward eligibility, conditions and subsidy methods, and schedule shall be prescribed by the central competent authority in conjunction with the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan.
Article 14
For those renewable energy power generation facilities that exceed a certain installed capacity determined by the central competent authority, the rights acquisition, usage procedures and handling of the land required by such renewable energy power generation facilities and power supply lines, Article 38 to 44 of the Electricity Act shall apply mutatis mutandis.
For the installer of renewable energy power generation equipment on a land owned by indigenous people or in an indigenous tribe and on the public land in a certain range of neighboring area, Article 21 of the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law.
The term and the procedures for renewable energy power generation facilities and power supply lines to lease needed public land shall be longer than the effective duration of the electricity enterprise license, without subjection to Article 43 of the National Property Act, the Forestry Act, Article 25 of the Land Act, and limits regarding the term of lease and procedures prescribed by local public property administration regulations.
For the installer of renewable energy power generation equipment on a land owned by indigenous people or in an indigenous tribe and on the public land in a certain range of neighboring area, Article 21 of the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law.
The term and the procedures for renewable energy power generation facilities and power supply lines to lease needed public land shall be longer than the effective duration of the electricity enterprise license, without subjection to Article 43 of the National Property Act, the Forestry Act, Article 25 of the Land Act, and limits regarding the term of lease and procedures prescribed by local public property administration regulations.
Article 15
For the use or acquisition of land for renewable energy power generation equipment and relevant facilities for its power transmission and transformation, the provisions relating to public utilities or public facilities under the Urban Planning Law, Regional Plan Act and related laws and regulations shall apply mutatis mutandis.
National property provided for installing renewable energy power generation equipment may appropriate a certain percentage of revenue to provide the local municipal government or county (city) government without subjection to the limits prescribed in Paragraph 1 of Article 7 of the National Property Act. The range, certain percentage, procedures for payment, and regulations governing the use will be stipulated by the central authority concerning such matters.
Renewable energy power generation equipment and relevant facilities for its power transmission and transformation installed in coastal zones shall be included in the coastal management plan; the provision in Paragraph 1 of Article 31 in the Coastal Zone Management Act shall be mutatis mutandis.
In the event of leasing national or public forest due to land use required by renewable energy power generation equipment and relevant facilities for its power transmission and transformation, the provisions relating to public utilities or public facilities under Article 8 of the Forestry Act shall apply mutatis mutandis.
For land dedicated to renewable energy power generation equipment and relevant facilities for its power transmission and transformation which are situated in fishing port areas, the provisions under Article 14 in the Fishing Port Act relating to general facilities of the fishing port shall apply mutatis mutandis.
National property provided for installing renewable energy power generation equipment may appropriate a certain percentage of revenue to provide the local municipal government or county (city) government without subjection to the limits prescribed in Paragraph 1 of Article 7 of the National Property Act. The range, certain percentage, procedures for payment, and regulations governing the use will be stipulated by the central authority concerning such matters.
Renewable energy power generation equipment and relevant facilities for its power transmission and transformation installed in coastal zones shall be included in the coastal management plan; the provision in Paragraph 1 of Article 31 in the Coastal Zone Management Act shall be mutatis mutandis.
In the event of leasing national or public forest due to land use required by renewable energy power generation equipment and relevant facilities for its power transmission and transformation, the provisions relating to public utilities or public facilities under Article 8 of the Forestry Act shall apply mutatis mutandis.
For land dedicated to renewable energy power generation equipment and relevant facilities for its power transmission and transformation which are situated in fishing port areas, the provisions under Article 14 in the Fishing Port Act relating to general facilities of the fishing port shall apply mutatis mutandis.
Article 15-1
Where there is a need for geothermal exploration in order to install geothermal power generation equipment, an application for exploration permit shall be submitted to the central competent authority.
The central competent authority shall review the application for the preceding paragraph in conjunction with the municipal and county (city) competent authorities.
The exploration permit is valid two years. An extension may be applied to the central competent authority two months before the expiry date for justifiable reasons, the extension application shall be limited to two times; where the review is approved, each extension period shall not exceed one year.
This article governing the qualifications, application procedures, required documents, review items, revocation of permits, and other related matters with exploration permits shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
The central competent authority shall review the application for the preceding paragraph in conjunction with the municipal and county (city) competent authorities.
The exploration permit is valid two years. An extension may be applied to the central competent authority two months before the expiry date for justifiable reasons, the extension application shall be limited to two times; where the review is approved, each extension period shall not exceed one year.
This article governing the qualifications, application procedures, required documents, review items, revocation of permits, and other related matters with exploration permits shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
Article 15-2
Where there is a need for geothermal development in order to install geothermal power generation equipment, an application for a geothermal energy development permit shall be submitted to the central competent authority.
The central competent authority shall review the application for the preceding paragraph in conjunction with the municipal and county (city) competent authorities.
Geothermal energy exploration permit holders who has submitted exploration data in accordance with Article 15-4, Paragraph 1 before the expiration of the permit, and applied for geothermal development at the exploration site, the central competent authority shall give priority to the review.
Applicants shall propose the proposed installation of geothermal power generation equipment, and the plan that the tail water reinjection into the formation after power generation will reach more than 90% of the consumption. If the reinjection ratio could not be achieved due to geological conditions, ecological environment or other factors of the site, the applicant shall submit documentary evidence and reports to the central competent authority for its consent and approval.
If the development site of the application referred to in Paragraph 1 is located in the hot spring area; the applicant must submit the impact analysis document for the development of the hot spring industry, which should include the impact analysis of geothermal energy development on the hot spring industry and corresponding measures.
The validity period of a geothermal energy development permit is five years. An extension may be applied to the central competent authority two months before the expiry date for justifiable reasons; if the extension application is approved after examination, the extension period shall not exceed one year each time.
This article governing the qualifications, application procedures, required documents, review items, revocation of permits, and other related matters with development permits shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
The central competent authority shall review the application for the preceding paragraph in conjunction with the municipal and county (city) competent authorities.
Geothermal energy exploration permit holders who has submitted exploration data in accordance with Article 15-4, Paragraph 1 before the expiration of the permit, and applied for geothermal development at the exploration site, the central competent authority shall give priority to the review.
Applicants shall propose the proposed installation of geothermal power generation equipment, and the plan that the tail water reinjection into the formation after power generation will reach more than 90% of the consumption. If the reinjection ratio could not be achieved due to geological conditions, ecological environment or other factors of the site, the applicant shall submit documentary evidence and reports to the central competent authority for its consent and approval.
If the development site of the application referred to in Paragraph 1 is located in the hot spring area; the applicant must submit the impact analysis document for the development of the hot spring industry, which should include the impact analysis of geothermal energy development on the hot spring industry and corresponding measures.
The validity period of a geothermal energy development permit is five years. An extension may be applied to the central competent authority two months before the expiry date for justifiable reasons; if the extension application is approved after examination, the extension period shall not exceed one year each time.
This article governing the qualifications, application procedures, required documents, review items, revocation of permits, and other related matters with development permits shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
Article 15-3
Geothermal energy development permit holders whose planned geothermal power generation equipment utilizes the energy contained in hot springs below the surface of the earth shall apply to the water resources authority for registration of water rights in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Water Act before the geothermal power generation equipment is put into operation.
The water right mentioned in the preceding paragraph is limited to 20 years, and the installer of geothermal power generation equipment may apply for extension registration in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Water Act before the expiration of the period.
Geothermal energy development permit holders shall obtain renewable-energy-based electricity generating enterprises license, a self-use power generation equipment registration certificate, or a renewable energy power generation equipment registration document in accordance with the Electricity Act or this Act and its relevant regulations within the validity period of the geothermal energy development permit.
In the case of renewable-energy-based electricity generating enterprises license, self-use power generation equipment registration certificate, or renewable energy power generation equipment registration document of the geothermal energy power generation equipment installer is revoked, abolished, cancelled, or invalidated due to other reasons by the competent authority, the registration of water rights will lose its validity.
The tail water reinjection to the formation after power generation shall reach more than 90% of the consumption. This restriction shall not apply to those approved by the central competent authority in accordance with the proviso of Paragraph 4 of Article 15-2.
The installer of the geothermal power generation equipment mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall install measuring device to record the amount of water used for power generation, the amount of tail water reinjection, and other necessary matters on a daily basis that complies with the format specified by the central competent authority, and send them to the central competent authority and the municipal and county (city) water resources authorities on a quarterly basis for future reference.
The water right mentioned in the preceding paragraph is limited to 20 years, and the installer of geothermal power generation equipment may apply for extension registration in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Water Act before the expiration of the period.
Geothermal energy development permit holders shall obtain renewable-energy-based electricity generating enterprises license, a self-use power generation equipment registration certificate, or a renewable energy power generation equipment registration document in accordance with the Electricity Act or this Act and its relevant regulations within the validity period of the geothermal energy development permit.
In the case of renewable-energy-based electricity generating enterprises license, self-use power generation equipment registration certificate, or renewable energy power generation equipment registration document of the geothermal energy power generation equipment installer is revoked, abolished, cancelled, or invalidated due to other reasons by the competent authority, the registration of water rights will lose its validity.
The tail water reinjection to the formation after power generation shall reach more than 90% of the consumption. This restriction shall not apply to those approved by the central competent authority in accordance with the proviso of Paragraph 4 of Article 15-2.
The installer of the geothermal power generation equipment mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall install measuring device to record the amount of water used for power generation, the amount of tail water reinjection, and other necessary matters on a daily basis that complies with the format specified by the central competent authority, and send them to the central competent authority and the municipal and county (city) water resources authorities on a quarterly basis for future reference.
Article 15-4
Geothermal energy exploration permit holders or development permit holders shall provide data on geothermal energy exploration or development in compliance with a designated time period and format specified by the central competent authority.
Geothermal energy exploration or development with a geothermal energy exploration permit or a geothermal energy development permit is exclusively used for geothermal energy power generation equipment. This requirement shall not apply to those applicants who reported to the central competent authority and obtain its consent for other purposes.
Geothermal energy exploration permit holders or development permit holders shall seal, stuff up, dismantle, or dispose the approved installation structure with appropriate measures designated by the central competent authority after the permit is revoked, abolished, or invalid due to other reasons by the central competent authority.
Those who apply for or obtain geothermal energy exploration permits or geothermal energy development permits in accordance with this Act are not subject to the restrictions of Articles 5, 7, and 9 of the Hot Spring Act.
Geothermal energy exploration or development with a geothermal energy exploration permit or a geothermal energy development permit is exclusively used for geothermal energy power generation equipment. This requirement shall not apply to those applicants who reported to the central competent authority and obtain its consent for other purposes.
Geothermal energy exploration permit holders or development permit holders shall seal, stuff up, dismantle, or dispose the approved installation structure with appropriate measures designated by the central competent authority after the permit is revoked, abolished, or invalid due to other reasons by the central competent authority.
Those who apply for or obtain geothermal energy exploration permits or geothermal energy development permits in accordance with this Act are not subject to the restrictions of Articles 5, 7, and 9 of the Hot Spring Act.
Article 15-5
If the scope of the application for a geothermal energy exploration permit or development permit involves an indigenous land or tribal land or the public land within a certain range around it, the applicant shall handle the matter in accordance with Article 21 of The Indigenous Peoples Basic Law before applying.
Article 16
Where construction or operation machineries, equipment, special means of transport for construction use, training materials and such required components imported by corporate legal persons for the construction or operation of renewable energy power generation facilities are proved by the central competent authority that such use is verified and not domestically manufactured or supplied, import tariffs shall be exempted.
If devices imported by corporate legal persons in the preceding paragraph are already domestic manufactured or supplied, after the central competent authority proves the veracity of its use, with adequate guarantee, such import tariffs may be paid in installments after one year, beginning from the date of completion of the project.
Where the renewable energy power generation facilities for self-use imported by natural persons are proved by the central competent authority that such use is verified and is not domestically manufactured or supplied yet, import tariffs shall be exempted.
In case where the imported goods are exempt from import tariffs or there is payment of such tariffs by installments per the three preceding Paragraphs, Article 55 of the Customs Act shall apply when a transfer of ownership or a change in use occurs.
Regulations governing tariffs exempt or paid in installments referred to in Paragraph 1 to 3 shall be prescribed by the Ministry of Finance in consultation with relevant authorities.
Regulations governing application procedures for evidentiary documents and the range of items and compliance matters for natural persons’ self-use of renewable energy power generation facilities shall be prescribed by the central competent authority in consultation with relevant authorities.
If devices imported by corporate legal persons in the preceding paragraph are already domestic manufactured or supplied, after the central competent authority proves the veracity of its use, with adequate guarantee, such import tariffs may be paid in installments after one year, beginning from the date of completion of the project.
Where the renewable energy power generation facilities for self-use imported by natural persons are proved by the central competent authority that such use is verified and is not domestically manufactured or supplied yet, import tariffs shall be exempted.
In case where the imported goods are exempt from import tariffs or there is payment of such tariffs by installments per the three preceding Paragraphs, Article 55 of the Customs Act shall apply when a transfer of ownership or a change in use occurs.
Regulations governing tariffs exempt or paid in installments referred to in Paragraph 1 to 3 shall be prescribed by the Ministry of Finance in consultation with relevant authorities.
Regulations governing application procedures for evidentiary documents and the range of items and compliance matters for natural persons’ self-use of renewable energy power generation facilities shall be prescribed by the central competent authority in consultation with relevant authorities.
Article 17
Renewable energy power generation and utilization system related facilities, depending on different equipment characteristics, are exempt from application for miscellaneous licenses in accordance with provisions under the Building Act when its installed capacity, height or square footage is less than a certain scale.
The standard of installed capacity, height or square footage of facilities exempt from application for miscellaneous licenses referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be prescribed by the central competent authority in conjunction with the central competent authority of building.
The standard of installed capacity, height or square footage of facilities exempt from application for miscellaneous licenses referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be prescribed by the central competent authority in conjunction with the central competent authority of building.
Article 18
When necessary, the central competent authority may require renewable energy power generation equipment installers to provide operation information of such facilities and send employees or mandate professional institutions to carry out the inspections; the aforesaid installers shall not evade, impede or refuse such inspection.
Enterprises referred to in Subparagraph 2 of Paragraph 2 of Article 7 that are equipped with self-use non-renewable energy power generation equipment exceeding a certain installed capacity shall compile its business conditions into abbreviated monthly reports and further compile annual reports within three months after the end of each business year to submit to the central competent authority for recordation; the central competent authority may request such enterprises to provide supplementary explanations or send personnel to carry out inspections, to which the self-use power generation equipment installers shall not evade, impede or refuse to comply.
Electricity retailing enterprises and electricity transmission and distribution enterprises in operation according to Paragraph 6 of Article 7 and Article 10 shall compile a report containing relevant information of the amount of electricity generated from non-renewable energy, the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy they purchase at wholesale, the cost of purchasing electricity generated from renewable energy, and the cost of bolstering the power grid to submit to the central competent authority according to the preceding paragraph. The central competent authority may request such enterprises to provide supplementary explanations or send personnel to carry out inspections, to which the self-use power generation equipment installers shall not evade, impede or refuse to comply.
The inspection methods and report format referred to in the preceding three paragraphs shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
Enterprises referred to in Subparagraph 2 of Paragraph 2 of Article 7 that are equipped with self-use non-renewable energy power generation equipment exceeding a certain installed capacity shall compile its business conditions into abbreviated monthly reports and further compile annual reports within three months after the end of each business year to submit to the central competent authority for recordation; the central competent authority may request such enterprises to provide supplementary explanations or send personnel to carry out inspections, to which the self-use power generation equipment installers shall not evade, impede or refuse to comply.
Electricity retailing enterprises and electricity transmission and distribution enterprises in operation according to Paragraph 6 of Article 7 and Article 10 shall compile a report containing relevant information of the amount of electricity generated from non-renewable energy, the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy they purchase at wholesale, the cost of purchasing electricity generated from renewable energy, and the cost of bolstering the power grid to submit to the central competent authority according to the preceding paragraph. The central competent authority may request such enterprises to provide supplementary explanations or send personnel to carry out inspections, to which the self-use power generation equipment installers shall not evade, impede or refuse to comply.
The inspection methods and report format referred to in the preceding three paragraphs shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
Article 19
For disputes that arise between renewable energy power generation equipment installers and electricity enterprises, either party shall apply for mediation by the central competent authority prior to initiating an action, to which the other party shall not refuse.
The central competent authority shall invite scholars and experts as mediators for the dispute referred to in the preceding paragraph.
A successful mediation shall take the same effect as a settlement in litigation; an unsuccessful mediation shall seek arbitration or litigation proceedings.
Regulations governing the application, procedures and relevant matters for mediation referred to in Paragraph 1 and 2 shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
The central competent authority shall invite scholars and experts as mediators for the dispute referred to in the preceding paragraph.
A successful mediation shall take the same effect as a settlement in litigation; an unsuccessful mediation shall seek arbitration or litigation proceedings.
Regulations governing the application, procedures and relevant matters for mediation referred to in Paragraph 1 and 2 shall be prescribed by the central competent authority.
Article 20
Under any of the following circumstances, the central competent authority shall provide notice of improvement within a designated time period; enterprises that fail to improve by the designated time period shall be imposed with a fine of NT$300,000~NT$1,500,000 and will be ordered to make improvements once again within a designated time period; enterprises that still fail to improve shall be continuously penalized per each instance:
1. Failure to pay the fund in accordance with subparagraph 1 or 2 of Paragraph 2 of Article 7.
2. Failure to purchase electricity generated by renewable energy facilities at wholesale in accordance with Paragraph 4 of Article 9.
1. Failure to pay the fund in accordance with subparagraph 1 or 2 of Paragraph 2 of Article 7.
2. Failure to purchase electricity generated by renewable energy facilities at wholesale in accordance with Paragraph 4 of Article 9.
Article 20-1
The central competent authority shall notify the enterprise to make improvements within a specified time limit for geothermal energy exploration permit or a geothermal energy development permit falls under any of the following circumstances; Those failed to improve by the notified deadline, will be imposed with a fine no less than NT$300,000 but no more than NT$1,500,000 and will be ordered to make improvement again within a designated time period; enterprises that still fail to improve shall be continuously penalized per each instance:
1. Failure to explore geothermal energy in accordance with the content of the geothermal energy exploration permit, or failure to develop geothermal energy in accordance with the content of the geothermal energy development permit.
2. The reinjection ratio of tail water after power generation violates Article 15-3, Paragraph 5.
3. For violation of Article 15-4, Paragraph 2, use of geothermal energy explored or developed for purposes other than geothermal power generation equipment without the approval of the central competent authority.
4. Failure to follow the dispose of approved structures in accordance with Article 15-4, Paragraph 3 after the invalidation of the geothermal energy exploration and/or development permit.
Geothermal energy exploration permit or geothermal energy development permit holders have violated Article 15-3, Paragraph 6 or Article 15-4, Paragraph 1, and failed to submit for reference or provide information on time, or the information was false, the central competent authority should notify the deadline for improvement; if no improvement is made within the time limit, a fine ranging from NT$200,000 to NT$1,000,000 shall be imposed, and will be ordered to make improvement again within a designated time period; enterprises that still fail to improve within the time limit shall be continuously penalized per each instance.
In the event of the circumstance mentioned in Subparagraph 1 of Paragraph 1 is serious, the central competent authority may revoke or annul the geothermal energy exploration permit or geothermal energy development permit.
1. Failure to explore geothermal energy in accordance with the content of the geothermal energy exploration permit, or failure to develop geothermal energy in accordance with the content of the geothermal energy development permit.
2. The reinjection ratio of tail water after power generation violates Article 15-3, Paragraph 5.
3. For violation of Article 15-4, Paragraph 2, use of geothermal energy explored or developed for purposes other than geothermal power generation equipment without the approval of the central competent authority.
4. Failure to follow the dispose of approved structures in accordance with Article 15-4, Paragraph 3 after the invalidation of the geothermal energy exploration and/or development permit.
Geothermal energy exploration permit or geothermal energy development permit holders have violated Article 15-3, Paragraph 6 or Article 15-4, Paragraph 1, and failed to submit for reference or provide information on time, or the information was false, the central competent authority should notify the deadline for improvement; if no improvement is made within the time limit, a fine ranging from NT$200,000 to NT$1,000,000 shall be imposed, and will be ordered to make improvement again within a designated time period; enterprises that still fail to improve within the time limit shall be continuously penalized per each instance.
In the event of the circumstance mentioned in Subparagraph 1 of Paragraph 1 is serious, the central competent authority may revoke or annul the geothermal energy exploration permit or geothermal energy development permit.
Article 21
For violation of Paragraphs 1 and 2 or 3 of Article 18 where the enterprises evade, impede or refuse an audit or inspection, the enterprises may be penalized with a fine of NT$300,000~NT$1,500,000.
Article 22
For violation of Paragraphs 1 and 2 or 3 of Article 18 where enterprises fail to provide and report information, fail to provide and report information on time, provide and report false information or fail to cooperate by providing supplementary explanation, the central competent authority shall provide notice of improvement within a designated time period; enterprises that fail to improve by the designated time period will be imposed with a fine of NT$200,000~ NT$1,000,000 and will be ordered to make improvements once again within a designated time period; enterprises still without improvement shall be continuously penalized according to each instance.
Article 23
This Act shall enter into force as of the date of promulgation except for the revision of Article 7 under the amendment to this Act on May 01, 2019 and the deletion of Paragraph 1, 2, and 4 of Article 10 under the old Act, and Article 12-1 amended on May 29, 2023; the date for enforcement of the revision and deletion will be set by the Executive Yuan.