TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s burgeoning energy needs could be partially met by Canada supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG), it was reported on Friday (Nov. 15).

The LNG Canada project in British Columbia was identified as a potential source of energy in a The Globe and Mail report. It said the project plans to begin natural gas exports to Asian markets by the middle of next year.

Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chern Chyi-chen (陳正祺) was quoted on Thursday as saying the state-owned CPC Corporation was in talks with LNG operators on Canada’s west coast. He said the investment was being considered.

“It might be something like now you need to invest to get the supply,” Chen said. “In that case, of course, we will be interested in investing for a guarantee of the supply.”

Robust economic growth and its vaunted semiconductor industry make Taiwan energy hungry. Applications connected to artificial intelligence are also expected to increase the energy demand.

Chen reportedly commented that Taiwan intends to generate 50% of its energy needs from natural gas. Its share currently stands at 40%.

The economics ministry has previously said it will build four new terminals to receive LNG exports, for a total of six terminals. It also intends to build up its stored supply of gas.