Why Taiwan's Nuclear-Free Path Still Makes Strategic Sense

When Taiwan shut down the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant’s second reactor on May 17, it crossed a historic threshold: becoming Asia’s first fully nuclear-free country.

Critics quickly pounced. In an age of intensifying energy demand—especially from AI, data centers, and industry—some argue that this bold step is a strategic misstep. They claim nuclear power is clean, stable, and essential for Taiwan’s economic competitiveness and carbon neutrality.

But these critiques are based on assumptions that don’t hold up under scrutiny. In fact, Taiwan’s nuclear-free transition is not only rational—it’s imperative. The risks of nuclear energy on a densely populated, earthquake-prone island are unmanageable. The costs are high, the waste unsolvable, and the promise of nuclear revival more myth than reality. Taiwan’s future lies in smarter, safer energy—not in extending the life of outdated reactors.

The Inconvenient Geography of Nuclear Power

Taiwan’s geographic vulnerabilities are not abstract. Two of its now-retired nuclear plants lie less than 40 kilometers from Taipei, a city of over 2.5 million. Taiwan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, surrounded by active faults and typhoons. In the event of a reactor breach, evacuation would be near impossible.

Fukushima should have ended this debate. Japan, with greater landmass and better evacuation capacity, still suffered catastrophic consequences. Taiwan’s risk profile is higher. Energy strategy must be tailored to local conditions—and for Taiwan, that means moving beyond nuclear.

The Hidden Costs of a "Cheap" Energy Source

Global investment banks like Lazard consistently report that nuclear power is among the most expensive forms of electricity generation. Its levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) far exceeds wind and solar, even before factoring in nuclear waste storage, decommissioning, and insurance.

Taiwan’s decommissioning bill—estimated at over NT$2.4 trillion (US$75 billion)—is already burdening public finances. The country still lacks a long-term repository for spent nuclear fuel. These are not minor issues—they are enduring, unresolved liabilities that will span generations.

Green Energy Isn’t the Problem—It’s the Untapped Solution

Critics are right that Taiwan faces challenges in renewable energy integration. But this is a matter of political will and infrastructure investment, not renewable capability.

Taiwan has abundant solar potential, and its offshore wind resources are among the best in East Asia. With energy storage, grid modernization, and demand-side management, a flexible green system is within reach. Dozens of countries are already proving that renewables can provide baseload reliability. Taiwan should be one of them.

And as for waste? The environmental impact of decommissioned solar panels or wind turbines pales in comparison to high-level radioactive waste that remains lethal for tens of thousands of years.

AI's Energy Appetite Shouldn't Dictate Dangerous Policy

Yes, AI demands power. But the narrative that nuclear is the only way to meet that demand is a fallacy. The tech giants investing in nuclear are also—more significantly—scaling up renewables and data center efficiency. Google and Amazon now source more than 60 percent of their global operations from wind and solar.

If Taiwan wants to build a future-ready economy, it must ensure its energy system is scalable, cost-efficient, and climate-compatible—not trapped in decades-old technology.

A Democratic Energy Policy Must Be Based on Informed Consent

Much of the recent push for nuclear revival bypasses a key democratic principle: public understanding. Surveys show that while many Taiwanese support nuclear power in theory, fewer than 20 percent have an accurate grasp of how it works, what it costs, or what risks it entails.

The government’s recent launch of an energy information platform is a critical first step toward remedying that gap. But this must be accompanied by rigorous public dialogue—not just industry lobbying or political maneuvering.

Strategic Clarity in a Volatile Region

Taiwan’s energy policy has broader implications. In a region dominated by energy giants and contested supply chains, Taiwan’s pursuit of renewables demonstrates a different model—one rooted in democratic governance, risk avoidance, and climate responsibility.

Dependence on nuclear—often requiring foreign fuel imports, complex safety protocols, and security-sensitive infrastructure—could expose Taiwan to new geopolitical vulnerabilities. Clean energy, on the other hand, is decentralizing and inherently sovereign.

Conclusion: No Turning Back, Only Moving Forward

Taiwan has spent nearly 47 years tied to nuclear energy—and it will take another 25 years to fully decommission its plants and clean up the legacy. This long arc should caution against romanticizing nuclear as a quick fix for today’s challenges.

The energy transition is hard, messy, and uncertain. But that doesn’t mean the answer is to go backward. Taiwan’s nuclear-free path may be imperfect—but it is grounded in realism, responsibility, and resilience. And in this moment of global uncertainty, that may be exactly the leadership the region needs.