This IEEE Spectrum article explores how Taiwan is navigating the aftermath of its nuclear phase-out, especially the shuttering of the Maanshan nuclear plant, while trying to sustain growth in energy-intensive sectors.
In August 2025, Taiwan held a referendum to decide whether the Maanshan plant should restart, but it failed. Though a majority of votes were in favor, turnout fell short of the required threshold. As a result, Taiwan continues on its path toward a nuclear-free future, a commitment rooted in policy since the Fukushima disaster and reinforced by public safety concerns.
The Maanshan plant, located in southern Taiwan, was once pivotal in supplying carbon-free power. Its two reactors were commissioned in the mid-1980s and officially shut down in 2024 and 2025 after their licenses expired. That leaves Taiwan without operating nuclear reactors just as its industries, notably semiconductor manufacturing and AI infrastructure, demand ever more reliable electricity.
But the move away from nuclear comes with trade-offs. Taiwan already imports nearly all its energy, and in recent years it has become more dependent on imported natural gas and fossil fuels to fill the gap. At the same time, renewable sources such as offshore wind are scaling up, even if not fast enough to offset the loss of nuclear capacity. The government is under pressure to balance energy security, emissions targets, and public sentiment.
The article suggests Taiwan’s next moves will be critical. Will it stick rigidly to its anti-nuclear policy, or adapt to allow advanced reactors or extended licenses? Can it scale its renewable grid fast enough? The failure of the referendum raises the question: Is Taiwan’s energy future shaped by ideals, or by the harsh demands of industry, climate goals, and geopolitics?