Marking significant progress on its path to clean energy, Taiwan has embraced an inventive solution—solar fisheries. Following the publication of Taiwan’s “Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050” last year, the region has seen commendable strides in the adoption of renewable energy.
Taiwan Power Company reported that wind and solar energy constituted approximately 15% of the energy mix for seven consecutive days in March 2023, surpassing coal at certain points. Demonstrating a commitment to the net-zero pathway, Taiwan added 2.5 GW of solar (on rooftops and fishponds) and over 1 GW of offshore wind power capacity in 2022.
Amid the government’s short-term goal to achieve 20 GW of solar generation capacity by 2025, challenges arise due to the need for extensive space, particularly in the densely populated western part of the island. Floating PV has emerged as an alternative, and a Wood Mackenzie report predicts Taiwan to reach 3.2 GW of floating PV by 2031.
However, a more innovative solution gaining traction is solar fisheries. By installing photovoltaic systems on top of fish farms, Taiwan can harness clean energy without encroaching on valuable agricultural land. The government has designated 15,000 hectares specifically for solar fishery plants, offering incentives to expedite their development.
Anticipated to contribute between 3 to 4 GW by 2025, solar fishery plants offer numerous advantages. They coexist with existing fish farms, avoiding disruption to agricultural land, and provide shade, reducing water evaporation and supporting optimal breeding conditions. Farmers benefit from additional income through leasing land to solar plant operators, and modernization opportunities arise during the redevelopment process.
The importance of Taiwan’s fisheries industry, employing around 350,000 people and contributing NT$78 billion (US$2.49 billion) annually, underscores the significance of innovations like solar fisheries. As nearly 30% of the country’s fish production relies on aquaculture, solar fisheries promise to modernize and revitalize this traditional sector, offering a sustainable path forward in Taiwan’s journey towards a cleaner and more energy-efficient future.
