CORP – Competence Center of Urban and Regional Planning
Doi
Abstract
Significant carbon dioxide emissions contribute to global issues such as rising temperatures and climate
change impacts, which have emerged as a major and urgent global concern. As a result, numerous countries
have committed to cutting down the emission of carbon dioxide to achieve low carbon and net zero
emissions targets. As we know human activities such as transportation, construction, and electricity
consumption significantly contribute to carbon emissions, and they are all in need of energy. Hence, it’s
important for every country to use clean energy to transform from low carbon to net zero emissions.
The transformation to renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, has become a global imperative to
combat climate change. However, in Taiwan, despite favorable conditions for solar energy development,
there are challenges regarding the policy direction and spatial planning of PV (photovoltaics) installations.
The current focus on ground-mounted PV, primarily in rural areas, has raised concerns about land use,
environmental impact, and social equity. As a result, there is a pressing need to prioritize PV development in
built-up areas to minimize conflicts with green resources and ensure sustainable land use, so the potential of
rooftop PV is vital to built-up areas. This study uses Tainan, Taiwan, as a case study area, and the objective
is to forecast electricity consumption in the residential and commercial sectors, evaluate the potential for
rooftop PV development, and assess the feasibility of achieving renewable energy self-sufficiency in built-up
areas. It also examines the electricity consumption patterns and rooftop PV generation potential in different
urbanization contexts, emphasizing the need for tailored policies and regulations to promote fair and just
renewable energy development.
The research highlights the importance of managing land resources judiciously and implementing policies
that prioritize PV deployment in urban and rural built environments. In conclusion, the study underscores the
urgency of addressing the spatial, environmental, and social implications of PV development in Taiwan to
achieve sustainable energy transition goals. The findings are intended to provide a reference for integrating
low-carbon principles into urban management plans. Furthermore, employing growth management as a tool
for urban energy management is vital to ensure that renewable energy development adheres to rational
processes and standards while protecting environmental resources