Referendum reignites debate over Taiwan's 'non-nuclear homeland' policy

Resumen detallado

A supporter of ending Taiwan's "non-nuclear homeland" policy argued Saturday that restarting reactors could buy time for renewable energy to develop, while a government representative questioned the need for a referendum when restart assessments were already underway under existing law.

Taipei, Nov. 14 (CNA) A supporter of ending Taiwan's "non-nuclear homeland" policy argued Saturday that restarting reactors could buy time for renewable energy to develop, while a government representative questioned the need for a referendum when restart assessments were already underway under existing law.

The two spoke at the second of five televised forums organized by the Central Election Commission ahead of the Nov. 28 referendum, which coincides with local elections. The ballot asks voters whether they support the government ending the "non-nuclear homeland" energy policy and using nuclear power to revitalize the economy.

Speaking in favor of the proposal, Chen Jong-shun (陳中舜), an associate research fellow at the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research's Center for Green Economy, said Taiwan had grown too reliant on natural gas as renewable energy development fell short of expectations.

"What Taiwan lacks most right now is neither goals nor technology, but time," Chen said.

AI data centers and advanced chip plants can be built faster than major power infrastructure, Chen argued. Citing nuclear industry estimates, he said reactors could be restarted in 18 months to three years, helping meet demand for reliable, affordable and low-carbon electricity while Taiwan expands its renewable capacity.

Chen said he supported continued investment in renewables and saw nuclear power as a way to diversify the electricity mix. Restarting the No. 2 and No. 3 nuclear power plants would also reduce Taiwan's reliance on shipments of liquefied natural gas, he said.

Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Lai Chien-hsin (賴建信), arguing against the proposal, said that Taiwan's economy had grown and its exports risen as nuclear power's share of electricity generation declined.

"Nuclear power is not a cure-all for the economy," Lai said, pointing to industrial upgrading and the strength of Taiwan's supply chains.

The government remained open to nuclear power, Lai said, and state-run Taiwan…

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