Taiwan's Nuclear-Free Future Dawns: Coal's Rise and Green Energy's Promise

As Nuclear Power Plants Shut Down, Taiwan Gears Up for a Future Fueled by Natural Gas and Renewable Energy, Striving for Clean Air.

The impending expiration of the operating license for the second unit of the Nuclear Plant No. 3 on May 17th marks a pivotal moment for Taiwan: the official transition to a non-nuclear homeland. According to Economics Minister Ko Chi-hui (郭智輝), this shift will result in 84% of the island's electricity coming from thermal power generation.

With the shutdown of the Nuclear Plant No. 3's second unit, the last operational nuclear power generator in Taiwan will cease operation. During a legislative session today, Ko Chi-hui addressed the transition, stating that the reliance will primarily be on low-carbon natural gas, supplemented by the government's ongoing efforts to increase the proportion of carbon-free green energy. The aim is to maintain air quality standards during this significant change.