Taipei, Taiwan – As Taiwan prepares to close its last operational nuclear reactor, the growing energy demands fueled by the island’s robust semiconductor sector have reignited an ongoing debate regarding the role of nuclear power in the country’s energy strategy.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, electricity consumption in Taiwan is projected to rise by 12–13 percent by 2030, mainly due to a surge in artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements. Notably, environmental group Greenpeace has indicated that the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the leading global contract chipmaker, is expected to consume electricity equivalent to approximately one-quarter of the island’s 23 million residents by that time.
This escalating demand places additional pressure on Taipei to meet its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, an ambitious target that relies heavily on increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix from approximately 12 percent today to 60–70 percent in the future. Proponents of nuclear power contend that it represents a viable path forward for Taiwan to balance its ambitious industrial objectives and environmental commitments.
In a recent legislative move, Taiwan’s parliament passed an amendment enabling nuclear power plants to apply for operational extension licenses beyond the current 40-year limit. This decision received bipartisan support from the opposition parties, including the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People’s Party, despite the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s commitment to a “nuclear-free homeland” announced upon taking office in 2016. While the latest amendment does not prevent the impending shutdown of the No. 2 reactor at the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, it signals a possible shift in Taiwan’s long-standing stance against nuclear energy.
The government has stated that there are no immediate plans for new nuclear projects; however, Premier Cho Jung-tai has expressed openness to the re-evaluation of decommissioned reactors if safety measures can be ensured and public consensus is achieved.
Nuclear energy advocates assert that the transition to renewable sources, while crucial, presents challenges in terms of stability and energy supply. Angelica Oung from the Clean Energy Transition Alliance argues that under current conditions, nuclear power could still play a significant role in Taiwan’s energy portfolio. She noted that while the sentiment against nuclear energy has grown since the Fukushima disaster, countries such as Japan are reconsidering their stance and moving towards reinstating nuclear power.
Critics of nuclear energy highlight the potential safety risks and the high costs of upgrading existing infrastructure to modern standards, especially in a region prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. The calls for a shift towards renewable energy sources remain strong, with advocates emphasizing that major companies like TSMC should contribute to the transition, ensuring that the burden does not rest solely on taxpayers.
As Taiwan embarks on this crucial phase of its energy policy, it is essential to facilitate a balanced dialogue that considers both industrial growth and environmental sustainability, recognizing that innovative solutions will play a vital role in shaping the nation’s energy landscape.
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