Taiwan’s central government has formally opposed a referendum initiative. This proposal would have allowed the Maanshan nuclear power plant, which was closed in May due to safety issues, to resume operations. Nearly 4.3 million residents were in favor of the reopening, but that wasn’t nearly enough – the vote requirement was set at five million votes. Taiwan is in the midst of an energy transition to renewables and liquefied natural gas. This decision shines a well-deserved spotlight on their deep commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Maanshan nuclear power plant issue remains a highly contentious subject in Taiwan. This is primarily because of the region’s commitment and vulnerability to earthquakes, and the challenges of storing long-lived nuclear waste. Given these challenges, the government of Taiwan has made focus safe energy options a priority.
Shift Towards Renewable Energy
During these past few years, Taiwan became serious about advancing renewable energy projects, investing heavily and in record-setting speeds into offshore windfarms. But perhaps the most impressive project thus far is the Greater Changhua 2 wind farm. It is located 50 to 60 kilometers from the coast of Changhua County. This facility boasts a total capacity of 632 megawatts (MW) and consists of two components: the operational Greater Changhua 2a and the under-construction Greater Changhua 2b. The latter is slated to be entirely wrapped up by the end of 2025.
Ørsted, a leader in renewable energy, has secured financing of T$90 billion (approximately $3.08 billion) for the development of the Greater Changhua 2 offshore wind farm. This investment is an important step to achieving Taiwan’s clean energy targets and moving away from traditional energy sources.
Enhancements in Natural Gas Infrastructure
Along with developing their wind energy, Taiwan is working to ramp up natural gas infrastructure. The Hsinta power plant has only recently begun operation for its first block. Look forward to two more blocks to start service in 2025 and 2026! Once totally online, the Hsinta power plant will bring TSCEC’s total capacity to 4 gigawatts (GW). This remarkable production will go a long way to power Taiwan’s homes and industries with clean, renewable energy.
The H-class blocks at Hsinta are intended to cut emissions by 60%, in keeping with Taiwan’s goals of increased environmental protection. More recently, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has pushed for greener energy sources. He understands that having the best options of energy – to grow, thrive and safe and secure future – require stringent safety standards for development.
Future Considerations for Nuclear Energy
President Lai Ching-te leaves the door open for future nuclear energy development. Following the referendum rejection, he wants to see much better and proven safety measures implemented first. He stated, “If in the future, the technology becomes safer, nuclear waste is reduced, and societal acceptance increases, we will not rule out advanced nuclear energy.”
Since the decision, the government has indicated several times that they have no intention of reopening nuclear facilities in the short term. They acknowledge that advanced nuclear technology has the potential to be central to Taiwan’s long-term energy strategy.