Australian public broadcaster ABC News recently featured an in-depth analysis of Taiwan’s nuclear energy phase-out, interviewing DSET research fellow Lu Tsai-ying about the country’s energy transformation. The report, titled “Taiwan is only months away from shutting off all nuclear power, but some question whether the tech powerhouse is ready“, traces the nation’s nuclear energy history from the martial law era to the current planned complete shutdown.
With Nuclear Plant 3’s first reactor stopping operations in July 2024 and the second reactor scheduled to close in May 2025, Taiwan is set to reduce its nuclear power contribution from the current 3% to zero. The report explores the complexities of this transition, presenting diverse expert perspectives surrounding this significant energy policy shift.
Lu Tsai-ying, the leader of Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Program at DSET, provided insights into Taiwan’s current energy landscape. She explained that the country primarily relies on coal and natural gas, which account for approximately 78% of total electricity generation. Renewable energy, predominantly solar, has increased to about 9% of power supply, with plans to expand renewable energy installation capacity to 20-30% by 2030.
The report also highlighted alternative perspectives, including those from Angelica Oung, founder of the Clean Energy Transition Alliance. Oung questioned the phase-out strategy, arguing that nuclear power remains crucial, especially in potential blockade scenarios, with nuclear fuel capable of sustaining operations for up to 18 months.
Lu emphasized the critical challenge of nuclear waste management, stating, “Taiwan currently lacks any high-level nuclear waste storage facility. Without a publicly acceptable permanent nuclear waste storage plan, nuclear power remains an unviable energy option.” She stressed the need to consider costs of dry storage facilities, processing of low and medium-level nuclear waste, and long-term storage infrastructure.
A concurrent investigation revealed by ABC News showed a Control Yuan report from April highlighting concerns about the Lanyu nuclear waste storage site. The report stemmed from a complaint by a worker’s family, noting the employee was diagnosed with leukemia after three years of work. Some research suggested workers handling nuclear waste may have been exposed to significant radiation levels. However, Taiwan Power Corporation maintained that environmental radiation tests consistently show the site remains within safe regulatory limits.
Lu critically noted the broader challenges of nuclear energy implementation, emphasizing that “constructing and operating a nuclear power plant requires more than technical engineering—it demands social communication.” The experience with the Lungmen (Nuclear Four) Power Plant demonstrates that without genuine social consensus, even a completed facility may remain unused.
The report underscores the complexity of Taiwan’s energy transition, balancing technological capabilities, environmental concerns, and social acceptance in its path towards a nuclear-free future.