October 29 at 7 pm, the center held the first in this semester "Grand Transformations" Salon, taking place in the new Social Science building of National Taiwan University. It was host by Professor Kuei-Tien Chou, Director of the center, and Professor Falin Chen, Director of Energy Research Center NTU, and Professor Tze-Luen Lin from Department of Political Science NTU were invited to join the discussion. Two guest speakers are from different disciplines. The discussion scope is broad but focused, ranging from basic research to policy expectations. Due to the high level of participation, the discussion even ended after a half-hour extension, showing that people have keen interest in energy development and attempt to participate in the accountability of civil society.

First, Professor Kuei-Tien Chou began with an introduction that Taiwan is currently facing a dilemma of energy transition. The proportion of renewable energy development in Taiwan by the end of 2013 only accounts for 5.6% of total electricity generation, and drops to 2% with usual hydropower deducted. This proportion of development is extremely low. Contemplating Taiwan's energy structure from scratch, in fact, the whole society needs to change, both on technological and societal dimensions. Taiwan must divert from efficiency-driven to innovation-driven. As the economic and energy structure are moving towards a low-carbon economy, continuing with the old OEM mindset without preparing in advance would prevent industries from innovation, and the national development fall into stagnation.

Professor Falin Chen then pointed out that over the past five years the national energy research program shows that the public are becoming increasingly worried on energy issues over the past decade. The main issue is the effect of climate change caused by greenhouse gases. The whole world is talking about how to cut down on greenhouse gases; take renewable energy development for example, many countries have already made efforts in the legal level. The United Kingdom and the European Union have explicit legal provisions. The UK aims to meet its 20% emissions reduction (below 1990 levels) target by 2035, meaning that each person can only emit two tons of greenhouse gases. Currently, the average annual emissions are twelve tons per person. Tens of billions of British Pound is put into carbon reduction work each year, and so does the European Union. There are many opportunities in it, with global income moving towards the industries that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.