Power shortages bigger threat than missiles: analysts

Environmental concerns also triggered a 2001 decision to ban new nuclear plants. Reactors weren't considered safe on an island that suffers an average of 200 earthquakes each year.

Finding a solution to Taiwan's dawning energy crisis isn't a pressing issue for the government, Yang Tai-shuenn said.

"Chen Shui-bian is wooing supporters by stirring up issues that may have a short-term benefit," he said. "His main strategy is to focus on the independence issue."

Such a move by Taiwan is unlikely because of the nation's Constitution and political structure, said Chang Wu-ueh (張五岳), China studies professor at Tamkang University in Taipei.

Revising the Constitution requires the backing of three-quarters of lawmakers and half the electorate.

Still, military spending is budgeted to increase 30 percent to NT$312 billion (US$9 billion) this year because of China's arms build up, including almost 1,000 missiles targeting Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian said in an interview with CNN.

Chen Yi-ling (陳怡鈴), secretary-general at the Bureau of Energy, rejects the charge that President Chen has ignored energy issues. Conservation, renewable energy and increased power production by private companies will ensure adequate supplies, she said.

"There aren't expected to be power shortages," Chen Yi-ling said.

The government is pushing environmentally friendly technologies, paying as much as half the cost of building solar systems and offering tax-breaks for wind power projects.

By 2025, hydro and other forms of renewable energy may account for 17 percent of installed capacity, up from 12 percent now, the Ministry of Economic Affairs says.