Taiwan Promised to Have No Nuclear Power Plants in Operation by 2025. AI Is Forcing It to Change Its Plans

Taiwan’s Energy Administration forecasts that energy demand will grow at an average annual rate of 2.8% over the next decade. This growth, mainly driven by the AI boom, has prompted the country to consider significant changes to its energy model. Nuclear power, which was in the process of being phased out in the country, is, is reemerging as a promising alternative to meet rising demand.

Signs of change are evident. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Premier Cho Jung-tai said he’s “very open” to nuclear power. “As long as there is a consensus within Taiwan on nuclear safety, and a clear direction with guarantees for handling nuclear waste, we can have a public discussion,” Cho said. Public support for nuclear energy dropped after the 2011 earthquake and subsequent Fukushima disaster in Japan.

Cho didn’t provide further details on his position but expressed hope that Taiwan could “catch up with global trends and new nuclear technologies.” The mention of “new technologies” is significant. Small modular reactors, like those being explored by companies such as Google and Amazon, promise to be less complex while offering greater versatility, efficiency, and safety.

A “non-nuclear” nation by 2025. Between 1977 and 1985, Taiwan brought six nuclear reactors online, but over time the number has gradually decreased. As of January, according to the Nuclear Safety Commission, three nuclear power plants, operated by state-owned Taipower, remained. Two of them, Chinshan and Kuosheng, are in the decommissioning phase while Maanshan is still operational but nearing the end of its service life.

The government has developed a nuclear phase-out policy with a target date of 2025. This policy has evolved within a complex context. Taiwan is poised to become East Asia’s first non-nuclear state, backed by a 2021 referendum in which most voters rejected restarting construction on two advanced reactors. The government suspended both projects.

Taiwan heavily depends on imported energy. This island imports around 97.73% of its energy needs. The denuclearization goal includes a plan for an energy mix of 50% liquefied natural gas, 27% coal, and 15% renewable energy. However, the plan faces challenges, particularly environmental ones. While more energy is required, Taiwan must also reduce emissions.

The rise of AI plays a critical role, with countries racing to lead in its development. Taiwan is a leader in this space. While local developers aren’t training large language models like those from OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google, Taiwan is home to major chip manufacturers essential for AI. TSMC, a local company, produces cutting-edge chips for companies like Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm.

Image | Alexander Synaptic | Roméo A.

Related | Nuclear Rockets Could Reach Mars Twice as Fast Compared to Current Methods. The Challenge Lies in the Design of the Reactors