TCDD and Sylvera Forge Partnership to Position Taiwan on the Global Carbon Stage

(From left) Eva Huang, Chairperson of TCDD ｜Louis Booth, Head of APAC at Sylvera

On November 28, the Taiwan Carbon Credits Digital Economy Development Association (TCDD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sylvera, an internationally renowned carbon platform, marking a significant step in Taiwan's integration into the global carbon market. Through collaboration with Sylvera, TCDD aims to provide Taiwan's public and private sectors with cutting-edge insights and strategies to navigate the global decarbonization wave and redefine Taiwan's role in international carbon diplomacy.

Strengthening Taiwan's Global Connectivity Through TCDD-Sylvera Partnership
Under the witness of the British Office Taipei and the Ministry of Agriculture, TCDD and Sylvera formalized their partnership on November 28. The MOU outlines joint efforts to enhance the exchange of technology and standards in carbon credits and emissions management. This includes establishing Taiwan-specific methodologies that align with international standards, as well as providing recommendations for the grading and standardization of carbon trading practices within Taiwan, thereby deepening international collaboration.

Shyme Dai, Head of Economic Development at the British Office Taipei, emphasized the importance of carbon-related cooperation between Taiwan and the United Kingdom, noting that the agreement represents a critical milestone in bilateral relations. The UK plans to continue its strategic support for cross-sector collaboration in Taiwan.

Experts from Taiwan's Agricultural Research and Extension Station, including Director Chen Jen-Yi and Researcher Sun Cheng-Hua, highlighted successful carbon-related initiatives in Hualien and Taitung. They underscored the importance of public-private collaboration to achieve shared goals and deliver multi-stakeholder benefits.

Sylvera, a UK-based global leader in carbon markets, views the partnership as a significant acknowledgment of Taiwan's emerging role in the international carbon market. TCDD Chairperson Eva Huang remarked that this collaboration demonstrates Taiwan's determination to overcome its unique geopolitical challenges and carve out a space for itself in the global carbon economy. She highlighted TCDD's mission to assist Taiwanese businesses in maintaining international competitiveness amid upcoming carbon taxation policies.

Reflecting on TCDD's achievements over the past year, Huang pointed to initiatives such as the Green Economy Wave campaign, the Carbon Economy Value Chain program, and the introduction of Sylvera's advanced carbon platform. These efforts culminated in the recent visit of EU CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) officials to Taiwan for dialogues with local enterprises. "We aspire to be the pioneers of Taiwan's carbon credits digital economy. Through tangible actions, TCDD is helping businesses combat carbon anxiety while fostering Taiwan's integration into the global carbon economy," Huang stated.

Exploring ITMO and Paris Agreement Article 6.4: Taiwan's Carbon Diplomacy Forum
Coinciding with the conclusion of COP29, TCDD hosted a high-level forum titled Practical Pathways for Taiwan's Integration into the Global Carbon Economy. The event examined Taiwan's opportunities in "carbon diplomacy," focusing on innovative approaches to voluntary mitigation contributions and international cooperation. Key stakeholders from industry, government, and academia convened to discuss how agriculture, energy, and carbon sequestration can drive Taiwan's engagement with global carbon markets.

Central to the forum was the concept of Internationally Transferable Mitigation Outcomes (ITMO), which allows nations to voluntarily transfer carbon reduction achievements to support other countries' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Huang underscored that Taiwan's exclusion from the United Nations need not hinder its climate action. Instead, it presents a unique opportunity to redefine carbon policies. By combining international collaboration with local implementation, Taiwan can develop carbon trading and management mechanisms that meet global standards, contributing meaningfully to international decarbonization goals.

This partnership with Sylvera signals Taiwan's unwavering commitment to building a resilient and competitive carbon economy, solidifying its role as a vital player in the global climate movement.