Center for Interdisciplinary Research
on Ecology and Sustainability
CIRES
生態及永續科學
跨領域研究中心
Latest Publication
National goal, local resistance: How institutional gaps hinder local renewable energy development in Taiwan
Chia-Ling Shen, Hsing-Sheng Tai
Energy for Sustainable Development, Vol. 83, No.101586, December 2024.
In most countries, energy transitions are widely supported by the public; however, the implementation of renewable energy policies at the local level often faces resistance. This study examines Taiwan's regulations on renewable energy development and provides a detailed case study from a local level, exploring the dynamics of these resistance actions. The interaction of six institutional gaps accumulates negative experiences between local communities, the government, and the renewable energy industry, leading to local residents' concerns, panic, distrust, and a sense of injustice, which ultimately result in resistance attitudes and hinder the development of solar power, thereby affecting the achievement of national policy targets. This study highlights the critical role of multi-level governance in driving energy transitions and emphasizes that the successful development of renewable energy requires a robust institutional framework. Such a framework is essential for addressing the complex governance challenges that arise during the transition process. The six institutional gaps identified in the Taiwan case can serve as valuable policy references for countries or cities promoting ground-mounted solar power.