TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Voters on Saturday are casting ballots in a national referendum to decide whether to restart operations at the country’s third nuclear power plant, Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, marking a pivotal moment in the country's ongoing debate over energy policy, climate change, and national security.
The outcome could significantly shape Taiwan’s energy future, as it revives contentious issues of nuclear safety, environmental justice, and energy reliability. It is the third time in recent years that nuclear policy has been put to a public vote, following the 2018 “Nuclear for Green” referendum and the 2021 proposal to restart the fourth nuclear power plant.
According to the Central Election Commission, 20,002,091 citizens are eligible to vote in this referendum. It must meet two conditions to pass: the number of “yes” votes must exceed the number of “no” votes, and at least 25% of all eligible voters — a minimum of 5,000,523 people — must vote in favor.
Supporters argue that restarting the No. 3 nuclear plant is essential to ensuring energy stability and reducing carbon emissions, per The Reporter. Backed by the opposition Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party, advocates claim nuclear power offers a low-carbon, cost-effective, and reliable source of electricity, particularly critical in emergency or wartime scenarios.
Taiwan imports nearly 98% of its energy, making it highly vulnerable to geopolitical and market disruptions. Supporters argue it would enhance energy security by providing stable baseload power, especially during natural disasters or cross-strait tensions.
They also highlight nuclear energy’s low carbon emissions as essential to meeting Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero goal, warning that retiring nuclear plants would increase reliance on fossil fuels.
Proponents point to international precedents, such as in the US, Japan, and South Korea, where nuclear plants have safely operated beyond 40 years with proper oversight. Advances in nuclear waste management, including deep geological disposal and deep borehole disposal, further bolster the case.
Economically, nuclear energy is seen as more cost-effective than imported natural gas and more reliable than intermittent renewables, potentially easing electricity prices and reducing blackout risks.
Opponents, including the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and environmental groups, argue the plant poses serious risks due to its aging infrastructure and proximity to seismic fault lines. They say the plant is located near the Hengchun fault zone, a high-risk earthquake area, and both reactors have been operating for over 40 years — raising fears they no longer meet modern safety standards.
In addition, Taiwan still lacks a permanent solution for nuclear waste, with spent fuel temporarily stored in places like Orchid Island. Restarting the plant would only add to the unresolved waste burden.
With record growth in solar and wind power reported in 2024, critics believe the focus should remain on advancing renewable energy infrastructure, including storage, grid upgrades, and flexible systems, rather than returning to outdated nuclear technology, per the Environmental Information Center.
In May, Taiwan’s legislature passed amendments to the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act (核子反應器設施管制法), allowing nuclear plants to apply for 20-year license extensions — but only after passing stringent safety reviews.
This vote follows two previous national referendums on nuclear power. In 2018, voters repealed a law mandating a nuclear-free homeland by 2025.
However, the government continued with plant decommissioning. In 2021, a proposal to restart the unfinished fourth nuclear power plant was rejected by a majority.
The referendum highlights the complex balance Taiwan must navigate between energy reliability, environmental goals, and democratic processes. As the nation faces growing climate challenges and geopolitical risks, the outcome could significantly influence the direction of its long-term energy policy.
