Taiwan Signals Openness to Nuclear Power Despite Failed Referendum on Restarting Plant

President's remarks a sign that his ruling DPP is relooking anti-nuclear stance

- Yip Wai Yee

TAIPEI — His party might be known for advocating 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 favor of a return to nuclear power, significantly higher than the 1.5 million who voted against it. Even in Taiwan's southern Hengchun township, where the nuclear plant is located, 60 percent of the votes were in favor of its restart.

The vote highlighted the island's challenges in finding a balance between ensuring energy security and environmental safety while it navigates geopolitical tensions and the demands of economic growth.