Energy policies need to be intentional

As the Nov. 28 elections and nuclear referendum draw near, political parties and candidates have once again turned to energy issues, particularly renewable energy and the debate around solar power.

The latest survey of eligible voters in Changhua County and Tainan, the two areas with the highest installed renewable energy capacity in Taiwan, showed that about two-thirds of respondents consider candidates’ energy policies one of their key criteria when voting.

For people who pay attention to energy policy and acknowledge that there is a climate crisis, voting is the most direct way to express their preferences. Beyond voting, people might not know how to get involved: “energy democracy” remains a concept rather than a practice.

The poll showed a broad consensus on developing renewable energy. More than 70 percent of respondents in Tainan support developing solar and wind energy; similarly, about 70 percent of respondents in Changhua back solar and more than 70 percent support wind energy.

Their support is not without reservations. About 60 percent of respondents agree that renewable energy development would benefit the local economy, but they are also concerned that the benefits come at a cost. Attitudes toward nuclear energy are similarly conflicted. About 60 percent of respondents support nuclear energy, but when asked which energy facilities they would least accept in their city or county, respondents ranked small modular reactors as the least welcome option, compared with alternatives such as rooftop solar panels and offshore wind farms.

Renewable energy development appears to have the support of most respondents in Changhua and Tainan; however, they are divided over the central government’s energy policies and uncertain whether their local governments are able to communicate effectively about energy. About half of Tainan respondents agree with the central government’s energy policies, compared with just over 40 percent in Changhua. When asked whether their local government communicates effectively about energy policy, more than one-third of respondents said they were unaware of any such communication or had no opinion.

It is commonly assumed that people who are concerned about climate change are more likely to take action to address it, but the survey suggests otherwise. Most respondents care about energy policy. They take candidates’ renewable energy policies into consideration, broadly support developing renewable energy and acknowledge that there is a climate crisis. However, there is a clear gap between attitude and behavior.

About 75 percent of respondents agree that climate change is concerning and would have a large impact on Taiwan. Yet just 53.4 percent were willing to take action, while 46.6 percent showed little or no interest in energy-related civic actions, such as signing petitions or campaigning.

While it might appear that these residents do not care enough to participate, it is also reasonable to assume that they simply do not know how to get involved. To close this gap, the central government, local governments and local communities should work closely together. They should foster a sense of belonging and ensure that local communities’ voices are heard, so that residents are more willing to participate and co-design programs.

Governments should also support those who are willing to take climate action, give them opportunities to contribute to energy policy and encourage those who have yet to show a willingness to act.

Energy policy needs to be more intentional, enabling energy democracy to become not just a concept, but a practice. It should not just be a campaign stunt during elections.