Taiwan's First Carbon Fee Collection Cycle Generates NT$4.97 Billion

Taiwan's Ministry of Environment reported that the first carbon fee collection cycle yielded NT$4.97 billion (US$158.1 million), exceeding initial projections of NT$4.5 billion. A total of 461 factories from 240 companies contributed, with semiconductor manufacturers, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., accounting for NT$2.2 billion.

The fund's management committee has approved NT$2 billion for emissions-reduction projects and NT$500 million for credit guarantees. The regulations, effective since January 1, 2023, mandate fees for companies emitting at least 25,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. Taiwan's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 1.92% in 2024, demonstrating a decoupling of economic growth from carbon emissions, with GDP growth of over 93% since 2005 alongside a 48.59% reduction in emissions intensity.