On May 9, 2025, Asian climate group Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) visited the Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology (DSET) to exchange views on Asia’s dependence on natural gas, regional energy security, and the emerging role of hydrogen in the energy transition. The dialogue was led by Tsaiying Lu, Lead of DSET’s Energy Security and Climate Resilience Program, with policy analyst Chen-Yen Chang presenting Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero roadmap and related energy policy challenges.
SFOC is a leading Asian climate NGO committed to advancing decarbonization. Founded in Seoul in 2016 and further established research teams in Tokyo and Taipei in 2025, the organization focuses on areas, including offshore wind, grid resilience, gas, shipping and climate finance, advocating for scaling up renewable energy and fossil fuel phase-out.
During the discussion, SFOC highlighted how South Korea remains cautious about further LNG imports due to economic and infrastructural challenges. SFOC watches closely how LNG contracts and fossil fuel lock-in can also affect the region’s ability to meet long-term net-zero goals.
In response, Lu remarked that the reliability of Alaskan LNG remains uncertain. However, the cooperation itself carries strong symbolic weight, reflecting Taiwan’s goodwill toward the United States under current geopolitical dynamics. She emphasized that Taiwan’s energy decisions must strike a delicate balance between supply security, cost control, and environmental protection.
Regarding Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero pathway and recent debates about potential overinvestment in gas infrastructure, policy analyst Chen-Yen Chang presented DSET’s analysis based on data from Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). He noted that while natural gas is projected to decline from 54% of the power mix in 2035 to 27% by 2050, total electricity demand is expected to rise, meaning the absolute volume of gas used may remain steady. As a result, the risk of stranded gas assets appears low.
The two sides also exchanged views on the development of hydrogen. SFOC explained that due to Korea’s low renewable energy share, most hydrogen is imported and used in energy-intensive industries such as steel. The lack of a comprehensive policy framework and limited media engagement have made it difficult to promote a green hydrogen transition. In contrast, hydrogen remains a marginal topic in Taiwan, with only one refueling station currently in operation in Kaohsiung. Policy support and stronger societal consensus are still needed for broader development.
In closing, both sides expressed interest in further collaboration on topics such as energy demand from the semiconductor industry, the promotion of hydrogen and green steel, and public engagement strategies for the energy transition.
