Taipei:A supporter of ending Taiwan's "non-nuclear homeland" policy argued that restarting nuclear reactors could provide the time needed for renewable energy to develop, while a government representative questioned the necessity of a referendum when assessments for reactor restarts are already proceeding under current law.

According to Focus Taiwan, the debate took place during the second of five televised forums organized by the Central Election Commission ahead of the Nov. 28 referendum, which will coincide with local elections. The referendum asks voters whether they support the government ending the "non-nuclear homeland" energy policy and using nuclear power to boost the economy.

Chen Jong-shun, an associate research fellow at the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research's Center for Green Economy, spoke in favor of the proposal. He emphasized that Taiwan's reliance on natural gas had increased as renewable energy development did not meet expectations. Chen argued that nuclear reactors could be restarted within 18 months to three years, providing reliable, affordable, and low-carbon electricity to support Taiwan's growing demand while the country expands its renewable energy capacity. He also mentioned that restarting the No. 2 and No. 3 nuclear power plants could reduce Taiwan's dependence on liquefied natural gas imports.

In contrast, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Lai Chien-hsin argued against the proposal, highlighting that Taiwan's economy and exports had grown even as nuclear power's share of electricity generation declined. Lai stated that nuclear power is not a comprehensive solution for economic issues, and emphasized the importance of industrial upgrading and strong supply chains. He noted that the government remains open to nuclear power, and assessments by state-run Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) are ongoing to determine if existing plants can safely resume operations. These assessments include checks for deterioration due to radiation or corrosion.

Lai further argued that a referendum cannot replace the rigorous legal reviews and scientific verification required for the structural safety of equipment. He pointed out that even if public acceptance was gained for restarting the No. 2 and No. 3 plants, their combined output would only account for about 10 percent of Taiwan's current electricity generation. Additionally, any decision would need to address nuclear waste disposal.

Taiwan shut down its last operating reactor at the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant on May 17, 2025, as part of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) commitment to phasing out nuclear power. Earlier, President Lai Ching-te had announced that the Ministry of Economic Affairs found that Maanshan and the No. 2 Nuclear Power Plant in New Taipei's Wanli District met the conditions to begin the restart process, with Taipower preparing the next steps. President Lai cited rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence, the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and growing geopolitical risks, while reiterating support for renewable energy.