In a private meeting with environmental groups on Tuesday, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) doubled down on the country’s long-standing anti-nuclear stance, asserting that any policy reversal must be conditional on three non-negotiable prerequisites: nuclear safety, proper nuclear waste management, and broad societal consensus.
This affirmation comes at a politically sensitive time, with opposition lawmakers actively pushing to reinstate nuclear reactors and extend the lifespan of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in southern Taiwan. Lai’s comments, released by the Presidential Office, came after a nearly three-hour closed-door dialogue with over a dozen prominent environmental organizations, including the Taiwan Environmental Protection Union (TEPU) and the Taiwan Academy of Ecology.
⚡ What Did Lai Actually Say?
Lai clarified that the government remains “open to new and advanced nuclear technologies,” but emphasized that Taiwan’s net-zero carbon goal by 2050 will not be achieved by sidelining safety and public trust.
“Nuclear power in Taiwan cannot proceed unless three conditions are met: safety is ensured, waste is properly managed, and a consensus exists among the people,” Lai told the NGOs.
🔄 Why This Matters: Political and Energy Context
The reaffirmation of Taiwan’s anti-nuclear policy isn’t just a regulatory signal—it’s a strategic political stance as opposition parties are mobilizing to reopen decommissioned reactors and extend the Maanshan plant’s lifespan beyond its original retirement schedule.
This shift is partly driven by energy concerns amid Taiwan’s push for energy independence, especially after the 2021 power outages and increased geopolitical tensions with China. Some opposition lawmakers argue that the nuclear phase-out has made Taiwan vulnerable to power shortages and reliant on fossil fuel imports.
💡 Environmentalists’ View: A Mixed Reaction
Following the meeting, TEPU Chairman Shieh Jyh-Cherng (謝志誠) welcomed Lai’s remarks, describing them as a necessary response to growing political pressure.
However, Wang Hsing-chih, Secretary-General of the Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association, raised alarms over Taiwan’s increasing dependence on liquefied natural gas (LNG), warning that LNG expansion could lead to more terminals, increase carbon emissions, and offset Taiwan’s climate goals.
Wang’s concern touches on a critical contradiction: while nuclear is off the table due to public distrust and safety concerns, LNG—although cleaner than coal—is still a fossil fuel and may delay the country’s transition to truly clean energy.
🇺🇸 Trade Diplomacy and LNG Imports
Lai also noted that Taiwan’s planned LNG purchases from the U.S. are crucial not only for energy diversification but also for balancing Taiwan’s trade surplus with the United States. This is particularly relevant in light of tense trade negotiations with the Trump administration, which has shown a preference for bilateral trade balancing mechanisms.
This strategy reflects a pragmatic pivot in Taiwan’s energy diplomacy: using LNG imports to foster goodwill with Washington while trying to uphold domestic environmental commitments.
🔍 Analysis: Is Taiwan Stuck Between a Rock and a Reactor?
Taiwan’s energy future sits at a precarious intersection. With nuclear power politically and socially contentious, and renewable energy expansion facing land, cost, and storage constraints, LNG has become the “bridge fuel” of choice. But critics argue that this bridge risks becoming a long-term detour from decarbonization.
Furthermore, public skepticism toward nuclear energy is still high due to historical incidents (e.g., Fukushima) and Taiwan’s inadequate nuclear waste infrastructure. No permanent storage solution for nuclear waste has been implemented, despite decades of use.
However, some experts argue that next-generation nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), offer a safer, more scalable alternative—though they remain untested at a commercial scale in Taiwan.
📌 Conclusion
President Lai’s reiteration of Taiwan’s anti-nuclear stance signals stability in energy policy, but also underscores the complexities the island faces in balancing energy security, environmental responsibility, and geopolitical strategy. The government must now accelerate its investment in renewables, address LNG’s carbon footprint, and navigate domestic opposition—all while keeping the lights on.
📋 FAQs
What are Taiwan’s current energy sources?
Taiwan relies primarily on LNG, coal, and renewables. Nuclear power accounts for a small but contentious portion of the mix.
Why is nuclear power controversial in Taiwan?
Concerns about safety, nuclear waste, and the lack of public consensus have made nuclear energy politically unpopular, especially after disasters like Fukushima.
What is the government’s stance on advanced nuclear technology?
President Lai said Taiwan remains open to new nuclear technologies, but only if the core conditions—safety, waste management, and social consensus—are met.
What are environmentalists saying?
Some environmentalists support the anti-nuclear stance but are concerned that LNG expansion may undermine carbon reduction goals.
Why is Taiwan importing LNG from the U.S.?
To both diversify its energy supply and help address trade imbalances with the U.S., especially during trade negotiations.
