Taiwan's Nuclear Reactor Shutdown Begins

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Latest News from NourishThe Nourish Mission (formerly OneSub)Get answers to today's big questionsTaiwan's Nuclear Reactor Shutdown BeginsEnergy Policy > EnergyTaiwan has commenced the shutdown of its last operational nuclear reactor at the Maanshan plant, which contributed about 3% of the island's power generation. This move comes amid rising electricity demands and a legislative amendment allowing nuclear plants to extend operational licenses, complicating Taiwan's energy strategy.

What's happened

Taiwan has commenced the shutdown of its last operational nuclear reactor at the Maanshan plant, which contributed about 3% of the island's power generation. This move comes amid rising electricity demands and a legislative amendment allowing nuclear plants to extend operational licenses, complicating Taiwan's energy strategy.

What's behind the headline?

Energy Demands vs. Environmental Goals

Taiwan's electricity consumption is expected to increase by 12-13% by 2030, primarily due to the semiconductor sector.
The recent amendment allows nuclear plants to extend their operational licenses, reflecting a shift in energy policy amidst rising demands.
Advocates argue that nuclear energy is essential for meeting both industrial needs and environmental targets, while opponents warn of the risks associated with nuclear power.

Legislative Implications

The amendment passed by the legislature allows for license renewals of up to 20 years, indicating a potential revival of nuclear energy in Taiwan.
This change raises questions about the future of Taiwan's energy strategy, particularly its commitment to renewable energy sources.

Public Sentiment and Safety Concerns

The public's perception of nuclear energy remains influenced by historical events like the Fukushima disaster, complicating the government's position.
Premier Cho Jung-tai has indicated a cautious approach, emphasizing safety and public consensus in any future nuclear initiatives.

What the papers say

According to Al Jazeera, Taiwan's electricity needs are projected to rise significantly, with the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company expected to consume a substantial portion of the island's power. The recent legislative amendment allows nuclear plants to extend their operational licenses, a move supported by the opposition Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party, despite the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's anti-nuclear stance. Bloomberg reports that the shutdown of the last reactor at the Maanshan plant began on May 17, 2025, highlighting the immediate impact of these legislative changes on Taiwan's energy landscape. The Japan Times emphasizes the critical nature of energy security for Taiwan, especially in light of increasing demands from the technology sector and geopolitical pressures.

How we got here

Taiwan's energy landscape is shifting as electricity needs are projected to rise significantly by 2030, driven by the semiconductor industry. The government has faced pressure to balance energy demands with its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, leading to recent legislative changes regarding nuclear power.

Go deeper

What are the implications of the nuclear reactor shutdown?
How will Taiwan meet its rising energy demands?
What is the public opinion on nuclear energy in Taiwan?

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