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 Josie-Marie Perkuhn. On 17 May 2025, Taiwan shut down its last nuclear power plant, ending nearly five decades of nuclear energy use. While the government promotes renewables and sustainability, rising energy demands, heavy fossil fuel dependence, and geopolitical risks challenge its green transition. Civil society and innovation remain key drivers forward.
Written by Paul Jobin. This article discusses the challenges and strategic priorities of Taiwan’s national committees placed in the Presidential Office, addressing the issues of climate change, defence resilience, and health. This article reviews the first meeting of the National Climate Change Response Committee to assess the government’s stance on nuclear energy, the priorities of different stakeholders in climate policy, and the potential synergies with Taiwan’s defence and health strategies.
Written by Mori Lin. This article explores Taiwan’s journey toward a nuclear-free homeland. It examines the challenges and opportunities in its energy transition, the impact of legal reforms, and the ongoing efforts to enhance energy security and sustainability.
Written by Dominika Remžová. The Russian weaponisation of gas supplies has sparked a renewed interest in Taiwan’s energy security, placing the DPP’s anti-nuclear policies at the centre of attention. On the one hand, both energy and national security experts have criticised the DPP’s continuing nuclear phase-out for pushing Taiwan, which in 2022 imported more than 97% of its energy, into an increasingly precarious position. The opposition, on the other hand, has criticised the party’s 2025 energy mix formula (i.e., 20% renewable energy, 30% coal, and 50% LNG) for its inconsistency with international trends, namely the increasing role of nuclear energy in global decarbonisation efforts, which the DPP countered by referring to industry-wide trends, such as the renewable energy focus of the RE100 initiative, instead.
