Taiwan to Subject Large AI Data Centers to Industrial-Benefit Reviews

The global generative AI boom is driving up computing and electricity demand. Large data centers affect Taiwan’s power supply and energy efficiency while also influencing investment, employment and local supply chains. The Ministry of Economic Affairs therefore plans to revise its energy-development review process, requiring energy-intensive facilities to demonstrate not only the feasibility of their power supply but also their tangible contribution to Taiwan’s AI industry.

In July 2026, the ministry proposed amendments to the Regulations Governing Energy Development and Use Assessments. Data centers with power capacity of at least 5 MW, equivalent to 5,000 kW, would face a new industrial-benefit assessment. Operators must submit information covering five areas: investment, employment, broader industry development, supply chains and the AI ecosystem.