Taiwan is to upgrade and/or construct a number of coal-fired power plants as it aims to increase its reserve power generation margin from the current 7.1% to 15% by 2025 and to ensure stability in its grid. The island’s economy relies significantly on industry and information technology, so that a steady supply of electricity is thus particularly vital, and the government appears to be trying to steer a middle course between renewable energies and conventional means of power generation. The aim is that by 2025, 20% of Taiwan’s electricity will be produced by renewable technologies, with coal, gas, oil and nuclear to provide ‘baseload’ power. The upgrades to coal-fired power plants, such as the Shenao Power Plant, aim to raise efficiency while reducing emissions of SOx and NOx, meaning that some environmental improvement can be expected, though perhaps the bar is currently low. Taiwan is amongst the world’s most energy-dependent states, with 98% of its fuel being imported.