Taiwan 'very open' to nuclear tech amid surge in AI demand

TAIPEI - Taiwan is "very open" to using new nuclear technology to meet surging demand from chipmakers devouring electricity in the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, according to Premier Cho Jung-tai - one of the strongest signs yet that the government is rethinking its opposition to reactors.

- BLOOMBERG

"As long as there is a consensus within Taiwan on nuclear safety and a good direction and guarantees for handling nuclear waste, with this strong consensus, we can have a public discussion," Mr Cho said in an interview with Bloomberg News.

"We hope that Taiwan can also catch up with global trends and new nuclear technologies," Mr Cho said on Oct 17, while reiterating his view that "Taiwan will have no issues with power supply for industries before 2030".

His comments underscore what appears to be a shift by a government that has opposed using nuclear energy for safety reasons.

The opposition to nuclear power is getting harder to maintain given the incessant demand that the AI boom is placing on chipmakers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC).

Taiwan has raised electricity prices twice in 2024, with the latest being a 12.5 per cent increase for industrial users that began earlier in October.