TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The government’s position on the use of nuclear power has not changed, Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said on Monday (Oct. 21) after Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) discussed the topic in an interview.
Lee was asked about Cho’s interview with Bloomberg published on Monday. The premier said Taiwan is “very open” to using new nuclear technology to meet the growing demand for power.
Lee noted Cho previously said the government would adopt an open attitude towards nuclear power, per CNA. She said this is based on the prerequisite that issues of safety, waste disposal, and establishing a social consensus are solved.
Bloomberg reported that Cho’s comments represent a shift in the government’s position on nuclear power, though Lee said there has been no change.
In the interview, Cho noted that the Taiwan Power Company would be asked to retain nuclear power plant staff after plants are decommissioned. "This is because we need to prepare for future nuclear technology developments and to respond to any potential legal changes in Taiwan,” Cho said.
Lee said Cho’s comments also reflect that Taiwan’s nuclear back-end and waste problems require a professional workforce.
Lee added that the government’s current focus is to complete power plants currently under construction to a high quality and on schedule. She said Taiwan will continue to develop green energy sources, including wind power, solar, hydropower, hydrogen power, and geothermal energy.
