Nuclear power plant closure triggers escalating energy apprehensions
The Final Switch: Taiwan Ditches Nuclear, Amps Up on Imports and Renewables
Taiwan is flipping the switch on its last nuclear reactor today, causing ripples of worry over the island's dependence on foreign energy and vulnerability to a Chinese blockade.
Taiwan, with its eyes on net zero emissions by 2050, heavily relies on imported fossil fuels to light up homes, power factories, and fuel its critical semiconductor industry.
The Democratic Progressive Party, under President William Lai, has long promised to phase out nuclear power, while the Chinese Nationalist Party insists continued nuclear supply is necessary for energy security.
Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant, a fixture in Pingtung County for 40 years and known for its proximity to tourist hotspots, is shutting down as China intensifies military activity near Taiwan.
During the large-scale military drills around Taiwan last month, China simulated strikes on key ports and energy sites, as well as a blockade of the nation.
Replacing Ma-anshan’s turbines will be wind turbines and solar panels, as state-owned Taiwan Power Co plans to build a solar power station capable of supplying an estimated 15,000 households annually.
However, some fear the closure could result in an energy crunch, given nuclear power only accounted for 4.2 percent of Taiwan's supply last year.
"Taiwan is such a small place, and there's no other better, efficient natural energy source that can replace nuclear power," said Ricky Hsiao, a local guesthouse owner. "The reality is that TSMC and other big companies need a lot of electricity. They would leave Taiwan if it's not stable."
On the other hand, Carey Chen, a mother of two, fears an accident like the 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant meltdown in Japan, given Taiwan’s susceptibility to earthquakes. "If we can find other stable power sources, I support a nuclear-free homeland for everyone's safety".
At its peak in the 1980s, nuclear power made up more than half of Taiwan's energy generation, with three plants operating six reactors. Following the Fukushima disaster, concerns led to a new plant being mothballed in 2014 before completion, and two other plants ceasing operations between 2018 and 2023.
Most of Taiwan's power is now fossil fuel-based, with LNG accounting for 42.4% and coal supplying 39.3% of its energy last year. Renewables accounted for just 11.6% of the total mix[5], far from the government's target of 20% for this year.
The shift away from nuclear has faced opposition from communities, who worry about panels occupying valuable land, and rules requiring locally made parts in wind turbines, which have slowed their deployment.
As the island weans off nuclear energy, Taiwan's strategic vulnerability increases due to its heavy dependence on imported fuels. However, to address these challenges, the government aims to boost its renewable energy capacity and improve energy efficiency.
Taiwan's reliance on imported fossil fuels is a concern given the risk of a Chinese blockade. According to government data, Taiwan has enough LNG and coal reserves to last 11 and 30 days, respectively[1]. Without nuclear power, "our energy security cannot be guaranteed and national security will be affected"[6].
Environmentalists argue that renewables are the best way to bolster Taiwan's energy resilience. "If every community has solar panels on its rooftops, the community can be more self-sufficient"[7].
However, others claim that Taiwan's break-up with nuclear power generation is at odds with global and regional trends. Even Japan and South Korea aim to boost their nuclear power usage[2][3].
Despite this, Hengchun Township Mayor Yu Shih-ching, who oversees the Ma-anshan plant region, believes "nuclear power is necessary". "It's an important driving force for the national economy and a great help to local areas."[6]
Lai agrees, promising not to rule out a return to nuclear power, stating, "we'll reconsider nuclear power when we have nuclear safety, a solution to nuclear waste, and successful social dialogue"[1].
In conclusion, the closure of Taiwan's last nuclear reactor will shift the energy mix, further increasing the island's reliance on imported fossil fuels and exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution[5]. To address these challenges, Taiwan must accelerate its transition to renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency to reduce its strategic vulnerability and dependence on imported fuels while promoting cleaner energy for a sustainable future.
Sources:1. Taiwan News2. Reuters3. Nikkei Asia4. Clean Energy Wire5. U.S. Energy Information Administration6. National Tsing Hua University7. Green Citizens Action Alliance
In light of Taiwan's shift away from nuclear energy, financial provisions must be set aside for the expansion of renewable energy sources in the environmental-science sector to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, addressing concerns of energy security and vulnerability. Despite the challenges posed by nuclear phase-out, some proponents argue that investing in renewables will foster sustainable economic growth and ultimately secure a cleaner future for Taiwan, promoting environmental welfare alongside energy resilience.
