Dutch public broadcaster NOS recently reported on Taiwan’s emerging policy debate over reopening nuclear power plants, reflecting growing concerns over energy security, geopolitical risks, and rising industrial demand. The report also quoted analysis from DSET’s Director of Energy Security and Climate Resilience Program Tsaiying Lu.
The report notes that Taiwan’s heavy reliance on imported energy—accounting for approximately 95 percent of total supply—has intensified vulnerability to external shocks. Ongoing regional tensions and potential disruptions to critical maritime routes further underscore the island’s structural exposure to supply instability. These concerns have prompted renewed discussion within the government, including proposals by President Lai Ching-te to reconsider previously decommissioned nuclear facilities.
According to the report, Taiwan’s energy reserves include oil stockpiles sufficient for over 100 days and natural gas reserves lasting approximately two weeks. As Taiwan explores contingency measures and alternative supply routes, Tsaiying Lu, Director of Energy Security and Climate Resilience Program at DSET, says that “there is no immediate shortage problem, but price increases will affect us.”
The report further emphasizes that Taiwan’s energy challenge is closely tied to its industrial structure. The semiconductor sector—central to global supply chains—accounts for nearly 40 percent of the island’s electricity consumption. Rapid expansion in AI technologies is expected to further accelerate demand, placing additional strain on the energy system.
In this context, Lu warns that any future energy constraints would disproportionately affect Taiwan’s strategic industries, noting that the chip sector will see the most significant impact if the government needs to conserve energy.
While Taiwan completed its nuclear phase-out in 2024, the report indicates that the potential reopening of nuclear plants—though unlikely before 2028 due to regulatory requirements—is now being considered as part of a broader effort to enhance energy resilience. DSET’s Energy Security and Climate Resilience Program will also continue to follow related developments regarding Taiwan and regional energy security.
