Industrial Technology Research Institute

Many countries are heading towards net-zero emissions by 2050 to curb global warming and meet their commitments under the Paris Climate Change Agreement. To align with the global trend of cutting carbon pollution, ITRI on March 22 launched its Net Zero and Sustainability Strategy Office and announced that it would achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The establishment of the Office will help promote and integrate technology R&D across industries and will assist Taiwan in drawing its strategic blueprint to meet the 2050 net-zero target. This will also urge industries to shift their focus towards sustainable development and seize business opportunities brought about by net-zero emission initiatives.

ITRI President Edwin Liu pointed out that 128 countries have pledged to go net-zero by 2050, and that major enterprises such as Apple and Microsoft have announced plans for their supply chains and product life cycles to become carbon neutral or carbon negative by 2030. “These trends will have major influence on Taiwan’s export-oriented economy. First, carbon tariffs will impact Taiwan’s indirect export trade and even the overall economy. Second, Taiwan’s industries will lose their competitiveness if they fail to meet the global leading companies’ carbon emissions reduction requirements for their suppliers,” said Dr. Liu.

Facing the carbon trade barriers that may occur in the future and the need for greener supply chains, ITRI established the Net Zero and Sustainability Strategy Office as a starting point to set Taiwan on the path of transitioning to net-zero emissions. It will connect experts from different sectors and promote innovative interdisciplinary research to introduce net-zero carbon emission approaches to industries. In addition, the Office will formulate 2050 net-zero emission strategies for Taiwan, develop low-carbon tech solutions for industrial upgrade, and help build a zero-carbon industrial ecology.

Meanwhile, ITRI will also strengthen international cooperation and continue to explore opportunities from emerging industries in renewable energy, circular economy, and green transportation sectors. It is hoped that by joining the world to tackle carbon emissions, Taiwan will remain competitive in the global market and boost sustainable economic development.