TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Tuesday expressed the government's openness to new nuclear energy collaboration with the US.

Speaking at the Legislative Yuan on Tuesday, Cho said the government is open to international collaboration on new energy technologies. He did not rule out using new nuclear energy technology under certain conditions, despite the government's “nuclear-free homeland" policy. 

American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene said in a recent interview that nuclear energy presented an opportunity for US-Taiwan cooperation, per CNA. He said the US has been talking to government agencies and companies in Taiwan about nuclear energy technology.

Green also said the US could provide Taiwan with LNG, renewables, and nuclear energy as it strives to meet its growing electricity demand. 

Taiwan’s society is deeply divided over nuclear energy due to perceived safety concerns, environmental risks, and sustainable energy goals. The Kuomintang has argued that the Democratic Progressive Party's nuclear phase-out policies hurt Taiwan's energy development. 

Responding to Greene’s statements, Cho said that if new nuclear energy technology ensures safety and solutions to nuclear waste, the government would be willing to cooperate. He added that society needs to reach a consensus. 

Cho said the government looks forward to working with leaders and new technology developers in research and collaboration.

In addition, Cho reaffirmed Taiwan’s net-zero energy goals, saying the government would prioritize carbon reduction and develop diverse green energy sources. He also said the government would convert the remaining coal-fired power generators to gas-fired ones as soon as possible.