Taiwan signals openness to nuclear power despite failed referendum to restart power plant

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Taiwanese voters on Aug 23 rejected a referendum on whether the island’s Maanshan power plant (in background) should be restarted.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Summary

• Taiwans DPP government looks to be re-examining its opposition to nuclear power due to energy security concerns.
• Taiwan is highly reliant on imported energy and faces increasing power demands from its crucial semiconductor industry.
• Experts say Taiwan must ensure resilient energy sources to balance sustainability and security.

AI generated

TAIPEI – His party might be known for advocating for a “nuclear-free homeland”, but Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) appears to have left the door open about the use of nuclear power in the future.

Speaking on Aug 23 after a referendum on whether to restart the island’s last nuclear plant was rejected, Mr Lai said: “If, in the future, the technology becomes safer, produces less nuclear waste, and social acceptance is greater, we will not rule out advanced nuclear energy.

“The people want peace of mind and a stable power supply, and these are the government’s unshirkable responsibilities.”

His comments were one of the clearest indications yet that his ruling DPP is re-examining its blanket opposition to nuclear power.

On Aug 23, Taiwanese voters rejected a referendum on whether the island’s Maanshan power plant should be restarted – just three months after it was shut – as the number of votes failed to meet the minimum threshold of around five million.

Nonetheless, some 4.3 million people had voted in favour of a return