Taipei: The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) declared on Thursday that President Lai Ching-te should issue an apology for the phase-out of nuclear power, following indications from regulators that they are nearing approval for the restart of Taiwan's last operational nuclear reactor, which was shut down less than a year and a half ago.
According to Focus Taiwan, KMT Culture and Communications Committee Director Chen I-hsin stated that the decision to return the Maanshan Nuclear Plant to operation highlights the failure of President Lai's commitment to establishing a "non-nuclear homeland" by 2025 without facing electricity shortages. Chen emphasized that nuclear power is crucial for industrial competitiveness, the development of artificial intelligence, and maintaining energy security. He argued that Taiwan Power Co.'s (Taipower) move to seek the reopening of Maanshan supports the KMT's call for a more pragmatic energy policy. Chen criticized the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) long-standing opposition to nuclear power, describing it as a "mistaken policy" that has adversely impacted Taiwan.
The Nuclear Safety Commission announced on Wednesday that it had completed technical reviews of Taipower's application to restart Maanshan, also known as Nuclear Power Plant No. 3, with approval pending the completion of final administrative procedures. Taipower's application, submitted in March, follows legislative amendments passed in May 2025 that allow for extending the licenses of decommissioned reactors by up to 20 years beyond their original 40-year operating limit.
DPP caucus chief Chuang Jui-hsiung responded on Thursday by questioning whether Chen would also demand apologies from opposition figures who previously campaigned against nuclear power, such as New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih and his predecessor Eric Chu, both former KMT presidential candidates. During a news conference at the Legislative Yuan, Chuang explained that the DPP's "non-nuclear homeland" policy was initially adopted due to public safety concerns over two decades ago. Although rising electricity demand from the thriving AI and semiconductor industries in Taiwan necessitated a policy review, Chuang argued that it is too soon to conclude that the government has committed to restarting nuclear power.
Chuang noted that the ultimate decision would rest with voters through a referendum on the "non-nuclear homeland" policy, set to coincide with this year's local elections. He added that even if the referendum passes, restarting the plant would still require overcoming multiple regulatory and safety challenges, including the resolution of nuclear waste disposal issues.
The Maanshan power plant, located in Pingtung's Hengchun Township, ceased operations for its last active nuclear reactor-and Taiwan's last-on May 17, 2025. The Kuosheng plant in New Taipei's Wanli District shut down and entered decommissioning in March 2023.