Written by Romain Blachier. Taiwan’s energy debate is no longer only about transition targets or electricity costs. It has become a question of how the island sustains itself under pressure. Surging demand from AI, deepening reliance on imported gas, and renewed discussion of nuclear power all point to a system under strain. What is at stake is not just growth, but the conditions that make Taiwan’s political and economic life possible.
Written by Elena Yi-Ching Ho. Taiwan’s energy security has once again been under the spotlight amid the current surge in energy risk stemming from the US–Israeli war with Iran. This article argues that the Taiwanese government should treat it as a strategic opportunity to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and strengthen the information resilience needed to support Taiwan’s energy transition.
Written by Ashley Cheng. This article argues that Taiwan’s current energy trajectory is incompatible with its high-tech goals. Unless Taiwan vigorously accelerates its clean energy transition, it risks energy bottlenecks that could impact not just its climate crisis but also threaten both its national security and economic competitiveness.
Written by Lena McEachern. This article argues that Taiwan should reinvest in nuclear energy for its energy security in the current geopolitical climate. It is also a relatively environmentally clean energy source. Although the referendum to open Maanshan reactor did not reach the legal threshold necessary to pass, the DPP should build momentum towards restarting decommissioned reactors.
Written by Brian Hioe. The Central Election Commission (CEC) has approved a referendum on resuming operations for the recently shuttered Ma-anshan nuclear power plant, while rejecting a referendum on capital punishment. Although the KMT pushed for both referendums as part of its electoral strategy, it did not appeal to the general public with either referendum, perhaps reflecting weakness of the KMT at the local level.
Written by Elizabeth Frost. This article examines how Taiwan’s ambitious offshore wind energy development strengthens its collaboration with Europe and shapes its global climate identity. It highlights the significant role of offshore wind in shaping Taiwan’s global image and identity as a responsible actor in addressing climate change.
