Taiwan is a densely populated island with only limited natural resources. Since energy plays a vital role in national economic development, the government established the Energy Commission under the Ministry of Economic Affairs in November 1979, and reorganized it as the Bureau of Energy in July 2004. The Bureau of Energy is in charge of formulation and implementation of energy policies such as the Energy Management Act, Electricity Act, Petroleum Administration Act, Regulations Governing Administration of Gas Utilities, Renewable Energy Development Act, and other energy-related regulations. In addition, the Bureau of Energy guides the operations of energy enterprises. It also carries out such tasks as the evaluation of energy supply and demand, the establishment of an energy database system, the promotion of energy conservation and renewable energy programs, the implementation of research and development of energy technology, and the promotion of international energy cooperation.