Factorial decomposition of GHGs emissions of Taiwan electricity production

This paper examines the sources and paths of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions of Taiwan electricity generation 1982-2009. The components of the electricity production were analyzed by applying factorial decomposition method. The model regarding the linkage between primary energy use, economic output and GHGs emissions intensity of electricity generation of Taiwan are derived. The major effects of the emissions include economic output effect, electricity intensity, thermal power shares effect, and emissions intensity of thermal power. Results of the fuel input of the thermal power analysis also showed that the fuel generation mix effect is the major component of the emissions. The fuel input efficiency factors, fuel input per kWh, have negative effect on emissions intensity of the thermal electricity, but the effect is small. In order to sustain the economic performances of Taiwan social/economic needs, low carbon technologies like renewables or energy efficiency should be developed in the future.