Taiwan Weighs Reviving Nuclear Power Amidst Rising Energy Risks and Dependence Concerns

Taiwan Faces Energy crisis as Nuclear Debate Intensifies Amidst China Tensions

August 23, 2025

Taiwanese Voters are preparing to decide the future of the island’s energy policy as the nation navigates growing security concerns and notable energy vulnerabilities.The pivotal decision centers around whether to reactivate nuclear power capabilities. This comes as geopolitical tensions with China continue to escalate, prompting a reevaluation of Taipei’s strategic energy independence.

In May, Taiwan officially decommissioned the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, its final operating nuclear facility. This action followed a 2016 commitment by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to completely eliminate nuclear energy by 2025. The decision was largely influenced by anxieties regarding potential nuclear fallout, stemming from the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan.

However,security analysts are now warning that this move has inadvertently increased Taiwan’s susceptibility to pressure from China. The island is overwhelmingly dependent on energy imports, primarily sourcing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and crude oil from countries including the United States, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

“Taiwan’s energy dependence represents a significant weakness,” stated Craig Singleton, a senior director and fellow at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD), during a recent media briefing following a visit to the island. “Beijing is capable of exploiting this vulnerability without initiating direct military action, for example, through trade restrictions, maritime blockades, or cyber warfare tactics aimed at disrupting energy supplies and destabilizing the nation.”

The Growing Reliance on Imports

Over the past decade, Taiwan has imported up to 97% of its total energy requirements. Currently, fossil fuels constitute slightly over 90% of the nation’s energy mix, with renewables accounting for roughly 7%, according to experts at the FDD. Prior to the phased elimination of its nuclear program, nuclear power accounted for approximately 12% of Taiwan’s energy supply in 2011.

That contribution declined to roughly 9.5% by 2021 and further diminished to just over 4% the following year prior to full shutdown this year. This shift highlights the rapid erosion of a previously significant domestic energy source.

Energy Source	2011 (%)	2021 (%)	2024 (%)
Nuclear Power	12	9.5	0
Fossil Fuels	~88	~90	>90
Renewables	~0	~1	~7

Did You Know? Germany, despite its own initial phase-out of nuclear power, is now reconsidering its approach due to the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine. Reuters reports that some plants may remain operational longer than planned.

Geopolitical Implications and Potential Risks

The decision to abandon nuclear energy comes at a especially sensitive time, given China’s increasing military assertiveness in the region. Experts warn that a blockade imposed by China could rapidly deplete Taiwan’s oil reserves, perhaps within weeks. Reinstating nuclear power would provide a critical strategic energy reserve, bolstering the island’s resilience against external pressures.

“Nuclear power fundamentally alters the calculus. It offers a degree of continuity even under coercion and complicates Beijing’s strategic options,” Singleton explained. He underscored the importance of diversifying Taiwan’s energy sources to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, the Ukraine conflict serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with relying on vulnerable energy infrastructure. Russia’s targeting of Ukrainian energy facilities underscores the potential for an aggressor to disrupt a nation’s power supply and undermine its will to resist.

Pro Tip: When evaluating energy security, consider a diversified portfolio including renewables, nuclear, and resilient supply chains for fossil fuels to minimize vulnerability to disruptions.

The Global Nuclear Energy Landscape

the debate surrounding nuclear power is not unique to Taiwan.Globally, there’s a renewed interest in nuclear energy as nations seek to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and transition toward cleaner energy sources. However, safety concerns, waste disposal challenges, and high construction costs remain significant hurdles.

According to the World Nuclear Association, over 440 nuclear reactors are currently operating in 32 countries, providing roughly 10% of global electricity.

Frequently Asked questions

• What is Taiwan’s current energy situation? taiwan is heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels and has recently decommissioned its last nuclear power plant.
• why is Taiwan’s energy dependence a security concern? It makes Taiwan vulnerable to economic and political pressure from China, which could disrupt energy supplies.
• Could nuclear power help Taiwan? Yes, nuclear power could provide a strategic energy reserve and reduce reliance on imports.
• What lessons can be learned from Ukraine’s experience? Ukraine shows that energy infrastructure is a key target in times of conflict and underscores the need for resilient energy systems.
• What is the global trend with nuclear energy? While some countries are phasing out nuclear power, others are reconsidering it as a way to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security.

What are your thoughts on Taiwan’s energy challenges? Share your opinions in the comments below!

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The Shifting Sands of Taiwan’s Energy Policy

Taiwan, a global technology hub and strategically vital island nation, faces a growing energy dilemma. Historically reliant on imported fossil fuels – especially from politically sensitive regions – and following the phased-out approach to nuclear energy initiated after the 2011 Fukushima disaster,the island is now re-evaluating its options.Increasing energy security, mitigating climate change, and ensuring stable electricity supply are driving a serious reconsideration of nuclear power‘s role in Taiwan’s future energy mix. This isn’t simply a technical debate; it’s deeply intertwined with geopolitical realities, public perception, and economic stability. The current administration is actively exploring the feasibility of restarting existing reactors and potentially building new ones, a meaningful departure from previous policies focused on renewable energy expansion.

The Current Energy Landscape: A Vulnerable Position

Taiwan’s energy situation is characterized by high import dependence. Here’s a breakdown of the current energy sources (as of late 2024 estimates):

Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil, LNG): Approximately 78% – primarily sourced from countries like Australia, Japan, and Qatar. This creates vulnerability to price fluctuations and geopolitical disruptions.

nuclear Power: Currently around 12% – Three existing reactors are operational, but their lifespan is a key point of contention.The Kuosheng, Maanshan, and Shihmen plants are under scrutiny for potential extensions.

Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Hydro): Roughly 10% – While growing, renewable sources haven’t yet reached the scale needed to replace retiring fossil fuel and nuclear capacity.Green energy transition is a stated goal, but progress is slower than anticipated.

This reliance on imports, coupled with increasing electricity demand driven by Taiwan’s thriving tech sector (particularly semiconductor manufacturing), creates a precarious situation. Power outages, like those experienced in 2021, highlight the fragility of the system.The need for reliable power is paramount for maintaining Taiwan’s economic competitiveness.

Why the Reconsideration of Nuclear?

Several factors are converging to push Taiwan towards revisiting nuclear energy.

1. Geopolitical Risks: The ongoing tensions in the South China sea and the war in Ukraine have underscored the dangers of relying on unstable energy supply chains. Diversifying energy sources is now a national security imperative.
2. Climate change Commitments: Taiwan has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. While renewable energy sources are crucial, their intermittent nature requires a stable baseload power source – a role nuclear can fulfill.
3. Economic Considerations: Nuclear power offers a relatively stable and predictable electricity price compared to volatile fossil fuel markets. This is particularly critically important for energy-intensive industries like TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company).
4. Public Opinion Shift: While historically strong anti-nuclear sentiment existed, recent polls suggest a growing acceptance of nuclear power, particularly among younger generations, driven by concerns about energy security and climate change.
5. Technological Advancements: New reactor designs, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), are being considered for their enhanced safety features and reduced construction costs.SMR technology is gaining traction globally.

The Debate: Concerns and Counterarguments

Despite the growing momentum for nuclear revival, significant challenges remain.

Nuclear Waste Disposal: The lack of a permanent solution for nuclear waste storage remains a major obstacle. Finding a suitable geological repository is politically and technically complex.

Safety Concerns: Memories of Fukushima linger, and public anxieties about nuclear accidents are still prevalent.Ensuring the highest safety standards is crucial for gaining public trust.

Proliferation Risks: while Taiwan’s nuclear program is strictly civilian, concerns about the potential for diversion of nuclear materials exist, particularly given the geopolitical context.

Cost and Timeline: Restarting existing reactors and building new ones requires ample investment and a lengthy regulatory process.Nuclear plant construction costs are notoriously high.

Renewable Energy Potential: Critics argue that Taiwan should prioritize accelerating the development of renewable energy infrastructure and improving energy efficiency rather than relying on nuclear power.

Case Study: Japan’s Post-Fukushima Nuclear Restart

Japan’s experience offers valuable lessons for Taiwan. Following the Fukushima disaster, Japan also shut down its nuclear fleet. Though, facing similar energy security and climate change pressures, Japan has gradually restarted some reactors, albeit with stringent safety measures. This process has been slow and fraught with challenges, including local opposition and regulatory hurdles. Japan’s experience demonstrates the complexities of restarting a nuclear program after a major accident and the importance of transparent communication and public engagement. The Japanese nuclear restart process highlights the need for robust regulatory oversight and independent safety assessments.

Potential Pathways Forward: A Hybrid Approach

The most likely scenario for Taiwan is a hybrid approach that combines nuclear power with a continued expansion of renewable energy sources.This could involve:

1. Extending the Lifespan of Existing Reactors: This is the quickest and most cost-effective way to increase nuclear capacity. However, it requires rigorous safety assessments and regulatory approvals.
2. Exploring SMR Technology: SMRs offer a potentially safer and more flexible alternative to traditional large-scale reactors.
3. Investing in Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Continued investment in solar, wind, and other renewable sources is essential for diversifying the energy mix and reducing carbon emissions. Offshore wind farms are a particularly promising area for development.
4. Improving Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption through energy-efficient technologies and policies can lessen the overall demand for electricity.
5. Developing a Nuclear Waste Management Strategy: A long-term solution for nuclear waste disposal is crucial for addressing public concerns and ensuring the sustainability of nuclear power.

Practical Tips for Staying Informed

Follow Reputable News Sources: Stay updated on the latest developments in Taiwan’s energy policy through reliable news outlets like the Taipei Times, Focus Taiwan, and international publications like Reuters and Bloomberg.

consult Government Reports: access official reports and policy documents from Taiwan’s Bureau of Energy and the Atomic Energy Council.

Engage with Expert Analysis: seek out insights from energy experts and think tanks specializing in Taiwan’s energy sector.

Understand the Terminology: Familiarize yourself with key terms like baseload power, grid stability, energy independence, and carbon footprint.