Failed reactor referendum signals new chapter for Taiwan's nuclear politics

Taiwan’s nuclear future remains uncertain after a failed referendum on restarting the Maanshan nuclear plant.

On August 23 this year, Taiwan held a referendum on restarting the country's last remaining nuclear plant, Maanshan. Although more than 4.3 million voters supported the proposal—74.17% of valid votes and far exceeding the 1.5 million who opposed it—the referendum ultimately failed because total voter turnout did not meet the required threshold of one-quarter of eligible voters.

In Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, where the plant is located, over 60% of voters supported the restart. However, the overall voter turnout in the area was only 29.53%, marking the third-lowest participation rate in Taiwan’s referendum history.

Taiwan's politicized nuclear energy

Debates between pro-nuclear and anti-nuclear camps have long influenced Taiwan’s public discourse. However, nuclear energy became deeply politicized after Taiwan’s first political transition in 2000, when the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came to power for the first time. The DPP has consistently promoted a vision of a “nuclear-free homeland,” making it a central part of their party platform and political agenda.

In 2000, shortly after President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁)  took office, his administration abruptly suspended the Longmen Nuclear Power Plant (also known as the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant) project following a meeting with then-opposition Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Lien Chan (連戰). This decision sparked intense controversy, and the Chen administration later reversed course and resumed construction.

The 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster significantly reshaped public perception of nuclear energy in Taiwan, heightening concerns about safety. In 2014, former DPP Chairman Lin Yi-hsiung (林義雄) launched an indefinite hunger strike to urge the government to halt construction of the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant. In response to public pressure, the Ma administration eventually announced the suspension of the Longmen Nuclear Power Plant operations.

Signals on nuclear energy policy

Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te (賴清德) addressed the nation on the evening of the referendum, stating, “Although the referendum did not meet the legal threshold, we respect this result." "I also fully understand society’s expectations for diversified energy choices,” he added.

He emphasized that any decision on restarting Maanshan must meet two conditions: Taiwan's Nuclear Safety Commission must establish a clear framework for safety inspections, and Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) must conduct autonomous safety reviews in accordance with this framework.

When asked about the role of nuclear power in Taiwan’s future energy structure, Lai took a flexible stance. He said, “If future technology becomes safer, nuclear waste is better managed, and public acceptance increases, we will not rule out the possibility of adopting advanced nuclear power.”

Although President Lai has not announced any changes to Taiwan’s current energy policy, his remarks left room for future adjustments. This suggests the government may consider incorporating safer and more advanced nuclear technologies into the energy mix.



Taiwan’s “nuclear-free homeland” policy and energy transition

When the DPP regained power in 2016, the government incorporated the “nuclear-free homeland” vision into national policy. In 2017, the administration announced the Energy Development Guideline, embedding the nuclear phase-out strategy. This was further solidified in the 2020 Energy Transition White Paper, which set a 2025 energy mix target of 50% natural gas, 30% coal, 20% renewables, and 0% nuclear.

However, Taiwan’s heavy reliance on energy imports—nearly 97% of its total supply—creates structural vulnerabilities. With 80% of the planned energy mix still dependent on imported natural gas and coal, and renewables lagging behind schedule, critics warn of energy insecurity, especially given Taiwan’s tense cross-strait relations.

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Taiwan has repeatedly raised concerns, noting that its members worry about Taiwan’s energy security amid the nuclear phase-out, stalled renewable projects, and surging power demand from the tech sector. AmCham has consistently urged the government to ensure a stable and predictable energy supply.

A “failed yet successful” referendum

Taiwan’s last operating nuclear reactor—Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant’s Unit 2—was decommissioned on May 17, 2024, marking a symbolic transition into a non-nuclear era.

However, just three days later, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) pushed a proposal through the Legislative Yuan to hold a referendum on restarting Maanshan’s operations. This referendum took place on August 23, 2025.



Although the referendum failed due to insufficient voter turnout, political interpretations remain divided.

Dr. Lee Min (李敏), Honorary Professor at National Tsing Hua University’s Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Science, stated in his opinion piece published in the United Daily News that:

"Whether a passed referendum is binding on those in power depends on the democratic literacy of the ruling party. Although the referendum on extending the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant’s operations did not pass, there is no legal provision prohibiting the plant from applying for an extension."

Lee further stated that if President Lai Ching-te were to issue an official directive, and the relevant agencies took immediate action accordingly, "we believe the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant could resume power generation within two years."

Dr. Yeh Yao-yuan (葉耀元), Professor of International Studies at the University of St. Thomas, wrote on social media:

"The issue of nuclear energy in Taiwan may move in a different direction in the future. After all, the AI industry consumes a massive amount of electricity, and if the energy supply cannot be stabilized, Taiwan might fail to take the lead in the AI sector or collaborate effectively with other countries. I know that most voters who support the pan-green camp are anti-nuclear, but from a realistic standpoint, the ruling party may have to shift its position."

Similarly, Dr. Yeh Tsung-kuang (葉宗洸), Distinguished Professor at National Tsing Hua University, stated during a local radio show that a subtle rhetorical shift has emerged under President Lai’s leadership. “Since President Lai took office, we haven’t heard the phrase ‘nuclear-free homeland’ anymore,” he noted, and "Lai may be open to extending nuclear power if there is broad public support."

While the August referendum did not meet the legal threshold, it may have inadvertently paved the way for future policy flexibility. Whether the DPP administration chooses to “catch the ball” and revisit its energy strategy remains an open question—one that will unfold alongside Taiwan’s broader economic, environmental, and geopolitical priorities.