Nikkei Asia recently published a feature report titled “Taiwan ends its nuclear era, but energy security concerns linger,” noting that Taiwan has officially shut down its last remaining nuclear reactor. While marking the end of the country’s nuclear power era, the article points out that public concerns over energy security remain unresolved. The report cites commentary from Tsaiying Lu, Director of the Energy Security and Climate Resilience Program at the Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology (DSET).
Taiwan decommissioned its final nuclear reactor on May 17, symbolizing a significant step in the country’s transition toward a nuclear-free homeland. According to Nikkei Asia, this move aligns with the anti-nuclear policy promoted by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) since it took office in 2016, and is consistent with Taiwan’s national goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Environmental groups have largely welcomed the decision, emphasizing the steep decline in nuclear power’s share of the energy mix and the inherent risks of building reactors in earthquake-prone regions.
However, the nation’s energy policy remains a topic of heated debate. Recently, opposition parties passed legislation in the Legislative Yuan allowing nuclear power plants to apply for license extensions beyond the existing 40-year limit. A referendum to restart nuclear operations is also being proposed for August, reigniting controversy over whether Taiwan should return to nuclear energy.
In response, Nikkei Asia referenced Lu’s analysis, noting that, according to relevant studies, Taiwan is capable of maintaining a stable power supply for the next decade without relying on nuclear power. “From a long-range perspective, our report shows Taiwan’s electricity system can provide sufficient power without nuclear power generation for the next decade,” Lu stated.
Addressing arguments that frame nuclear energy as a safeguard for national security, Lu expressed caution. She emphasized that the war in Ukraine has demonstrated how nuclear power facilities can quickly become prime targets during armed conflicts. “They’re not inherently more secure,” she said. Her perspective offers an important dimension to the ongoing discourse on Taiwan’s energy and national security strategies.
