Amid public concern over the government's position on the license renewal and restart of nuclear power plants, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) stated that the government remains committed to maintaining a stable power supply, ensuring energy security, and achieving steady carbon reduction as the core focuses of energy transition in response to evolving global energy landscape, domestic economic development, and rising electricity demand driven by emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). On this basis, the government will prudently address issues related to the license renewal and potential restart of nuclear power plants, grounded in safety, legal frameworks, and public communication.
The MOEA specifically noted that restarting nuclear power units involves a series of procedures, including professional inspections, technical evaluation, and safety reviews. Power generation may only resume after all required procedures have been completed and the necessary electricity license for power generation has been obtained; the submission of a restart plan alone does not authorize immediate operation. Taiwan Power Company (TPC) has signed a contract with the original equipment manufacturer, Westinghouse Electric Company, to carry out self-initiated safety inspections for the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant. A restart plan is scheduled to be submitted to the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) for review by the end of March. For the Kuosheng Nuclear Power Plant, TPC has sought technical support from the original equipment manufacturer, General Electric Company. Relevant safety inspection procedures will proceed only after the completion of outdoor dry storage facilities and the removal of spent fuel from the reactor core. The MOEA will supervise TPC in conducting all related procedures in compliance with international regulations and with the support of the original equipment manufacturers, while coordinating with the NSC in the review process.
In response to public concerns regarding the recent rapid growth in electricity demand driven by the AI and semiconductor industries, as well as issues related to power supply stability, the MOEA stated that, every year, the government conducts reviews of power supply and demand planning on a rolling basis, including various industrial development scenarios into the assessment process. In recent years, rapid advances in AI-related innovation have accelerated Taiwan's economic growth and driven significant expansion in the semiconductor industry and AI supply chain, leading to a marked increase in long-term electricity demand. At the same time, rising geopolitical risks have added uncertainties to energy supply. In future reviews, the government will assess a range of energy mix scenarios to further strengthen power supply stability.
The MOEA further noted a number of challenges faced during the promotion of renewable energy, including misinformation, stigmatization, irrational opposition, and increasingly stringent regulatory conditions. Nevertheless, Taiwan's installed renewable energy capacity has steadily increased over the past decade, rising from 4.7 GW to 22.9 GW. Continued support from all sectors remains essential to strengthening the international competitiveness of domestic industries. Moving forward, the MOEA will uphold its commitment to providing accurate information on renewable energy, maintaining transparency, and enhancing public communication to address concerns, ensure steady development of green electricity, and reinforce the global competitiveness of Taiwan's industries.
Finally, the MOEA emphasized that any restart of nuclear power plants through the license renewal process must strictly comply with nuclear safety regulations. The process involves comprehensive self-inspections and professional assessments conducted by TPC, as well as safety reviews by the NSC. Any decision regarding the restart of nuclear power plants must be handled prudently, based on three core principles: ensuring nuclear safety, establishing viable solutions for nuclear waste management, and achieving social consensus.
Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs:
Deputy Director General, Chung-Hsien Chen
Contact Phone Number: 02-2775-7700, 0919-998-339
Email Address:
[email protected]Business Contact: Director, Fang-Ling Liao
Contact Phone Number: 02-2775-7710, 0912-089-923
Email Address:
[email protected]