TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Environment (環境部) announced new guidelines on Monday (Jan. 12) for businesses applying for "high carbon leakage risk status" under the new carbon fee payment system that will begin in May this year. According to a press release, qualified companies can qualify for an 80% discount on carbon fees by submitting and passing a self-reduction plan. This initiative aims to encourage industries to adopt greener practices while maintaining competitiveness.
The carbon fee regulation targets power, gas supply, and manufacturing sectors with annual greenhouse gas emissions exceeding 25,000 metric tons. These companies must pay carbon fees by the end of May, based on last year's emissions. The Ministry offers a discount, reducing the fee to NT$50 or NT$100 per ton, for businesses with an approved self-reduction plan.
Statistics reveal that 465 plants are subject to the carbon fee, with 262 meeting the positive list criteria. The evaluation principles for high carbon leakage risk applications include two categories: industry recognition and maintaining international competitiveness. Category one utilizes industry classification statistics from the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics (主計總), assessing trade intensity, emission intensity, and carbon fee rates. The positive list includes 17 industries such as steel and cement.
For category two, businesses must demonstrate the impact of carbon leakage risk. Conditions include carbon fees comprising over 30% of gross operating profit or negative gross operating profit. Applicants must provide a "Carbon Leakage Risk Assessment Statement" for review.