The government would be open to discussion, research and collaboration with the world’s leading nuclear energy developers, and would not rule out use of new nuclear energy, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said today.
The issue has resurfaced in the past week after American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Raymond Greene on Friday said that the US could be a reliable energy source for Taiwan, including nuclear energy.
As the world’s largest energy exporter, the US could provide Taiwan with liquefied natural gas and nuclear energy, Greene said, adding that the AIT is already negotiating with Taiwanese businesses and government organizations on how to better support Taiwan’s energy supply.
Photo: CNA
Taiwan is highly dependent on energy imports, although domestic green energy development is expanding, Cho said.
The government’s current policy prioritizes reducing carbon emissions, with the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions through the development of renewable energy sources, he said.
Taiwan is also focused on transitioning aging coal-fired power plants to natural gas-fired units, he added.
The government would consider the use of new nuclear energy if there were public support, safety assurances, and a viable and sustainable nuclear waste disposal method, Cho said.
Taiwan is to close the No. 2 reactor of the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant in May in accordance with the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act (核子反應器設施管制法), he said.
It is the final reactor still in operation in the nation’s only active nuclear plant in Pingtung County’s Hengchun Township (恆春).
Some lawmakers have proposed nuclear energy amendments that could affect the regulations, although the bills are still in the early stages, Cho said.
The government has a responsibility to ensure a stable and sufficient power supply in Taiwan, which in turn has a responsibility to the world in housing and developing key technologies while playing a critical role in global supply chains, he said.
Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo (郭智輝) said that the government is open to all energy sources and adopts a diversified energy policy.
Kuo dismissed the claim that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is expanding investments in the US due to insufficient domestic energy and water supplies, saying that Taiwan’s utilities are sufficient.
Although Taiwan might face some constraints with available land and utilities, the government has adequately prepared for such situations, he said.
Moreover, TSMC’s proposal to invest in the US is not finalized, as it has not yet entered the administrative review process at the Department of Investment Review, he added.
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