Taiwan’s electricity generation will become 84% dependent on fossil fuels following the shutdown of its final operational nuclear reactor in mid-May 2025, according to Economic Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝). This milestone marks the culmination of the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) nuclear-free homeland policy but raises significant concerns over energy security, carbon emissions, and Taiwan’s resilience amid rising power demands and geopolitical risks.
🔍 In-Depth Analysis
🔋 What’s Happening?
Taiwan’s last active nuclear reactor, Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 in Pingtung County, is scheduled to cease operations by mid-May 2025, ending the island’s era of civilian nuclear energy that began in the 1970s.
This decision is part of the DPP’s longstanding commitment to a “nuclear-free homeland” by 2025, a policy originally championed by former President Chen Shui-bian and reaffirmed during Tsai Ing-wen’s two terms.
➡️ Once the Maanshan plant shuts down, fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, oil) will account for 84% of Taiwan’s electricity mix, while renewables will contribute around 13%, and hydropower the remaining few percent.
⚠️ Energy Risks After the Nuclear Exit
This transition comes with multiple challenges:
- Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Replacing nuclear—an emissions-free source—with fossil fuels raises Taiwan’s CO₂ output, putting its 2050 net-zero pledge in jeopardy. - Power Supply Stability
Taiwan has faced multiple power outages in recent years, partially due to tight power margins. With higher reliance on fossil fuels, any disruption in LNG supply chains (e.g., from geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea or Middle East) could result in major blackouts. - Higher Electricity Costs
Fossil fuel imports make Taiwan’s electricity prices vulnerable to global energy markets, particularly in a post-pandemic world experiencing volatility in natural gas prices. - Energy Security Concerns
Taiwan imports nearly 98% of its energy, and without nuclear, it loses one of its few domestically controlled and reliable base-load sources.
🌱 What About Renewables?
While Taiwan has made strides in wind and solar energy:
- Offshore wind capacity is expanding with major foreign investment (e.g., Ørsted, CIP).
- Rooftop solar installations have surged, particularly in central and southern Taiwan.
However, renewables only account for ~13% of generation—still far below what is needed to replace both nuclear and reduce fossil use.
Storage technology, grid upgrades, and seasonal variability remain major hurdles. Taiwan’s mountainous terrain and typhoon-prone climate further complicate large-scale renewable deployment.
📈 Policy and Political Landscape
The DPP has maintained a hardline anti-nuclear stance, despite growing calls from opposition parties, industrial leaders, and academics to reconsider extending the life of existing nuclear plants.
President-elect Lai Ching-te supports continued investment in renewables and gas-fired generation, but has not publicly endorsed any nuclear reactivation proposals.
On the other hand, the KMT (Kuomintang), which now controls the legislature, advocates for “nuclear coexistence”, suggesting reactivation or life-extension of existing plants as part of a diversified energy portfolio.
Expect energy policy to be a contentious battleground in the coming legislative sessions and local elections.
🧭 Global Comparisons: What Other Countries Are Doing
- Germany shut down its nuclear plants in 2023, facing similar criticisms over rising emissions and energy imports.
- Japan is restarting nuclear reactors post-Fukushima to reduce fossil dependence.
- South Korea under President Yoon reversed earlier nuclear phase-out plans and is expanding both domestic and export nuclear strategies.
- France is investing in next-gen nuclear reactors as part of its climate strategy.
Taiwan, therefore, is moving against the global trend, as more nations re-embrace nuclear to meet clean energy and climate targets.
🔄 What’s Next?
Minister Kuo stated that Taiwan will accelerate efforts to:
- Expand LNG terminal capacity
- Diversify import sources for energy fuels
- Improve smart grid infrastructure
- Push private investment in battery storage and solar
Yet critics argue this does not solve the core issue of base-load stability nor reduce reliance on imported hydrocarbons.
❓ FAQs
Why is Taiwan shutting down its last nuclear plant?
It’s part of the government’s “nuclear-free homeland” policy aimed at eliminating nuclear power by 2025 due to safety and environmental concerns, especially post-Fukushima.
What will replace nuclear energy in Taiwan’s grid?
Primarily fossil fuels—especially natural gas and coal—with increasing but still limited contributions from wind and solar.
Does this mean higher carbon emissions?
Yes. Fossil fuels are carbon-intensive, and replacing nuclear with them will likely increase Taiwan’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Will electricity prices rise?
Very likely. Greater dependency on imported fuels exposes Taiwan to volatile global energy prices, and these costs often pass to consumers or strain government subsidies.
Is there any chance nuclear could return?
While the current administration opposes it, political shifts or public demand amid power crises could reopen debate about restarting or extending nuclear facilities.
