Nuclear Power Issue Still Divides One Year After Last Plant Was Shuttered
One year after Taiwan shut down its last nuclear plant, debate is spreading about whether to restart at least some nuclear power generation, with questions of national security, reliance on imported fuel and environmental concerns sharply dividing public opinion.
Nuclear Debate Reignites in Taiwan
REPORTER:
Opponents of nuclear power shout slogans at a Sunday protest in Taipei as Taiwan prepares for what could be a major about-face in policy.
REPORTER:
One year ago, Taiwan’s last nuclear plant went offline. Now, amid fears of a Chinese fuel blockade that’s compounded by uncertainty in the Middle East, the government might reverse course. The shuttered No. 3 Nuclear Power Plant in Taiwan’s far south could go back online as soon as 2028. But protesters say that’s not necessary.
Huang Ching-ting (CITIZEN OF THE EARTH, TAIWAN):
We haven’t had a power shortage this year.
Many people say there hasn’t been a lack of power this year.
So what’s next?
[Restarting nuclear power] needs discussion by the whole nation.
We must take the issue on together instead of irresponsibly going straight to nuclear power for power needs.
REPORTER:
One major issue for anti-nuclear activists is the problem of where to store nuclear waste. But at a forum on Sunday, they also argued that restarting reactors may pose risks to national security.
Tu Wen-ling (NAT’L CHENGCHI UNIVERSITY):
Nuclear plants look like they can provide power but in wartime they are most liable to become targets of attack.
REPORTER:
Supporters of nuclear power, though, are just as adamant that Taiwan needs to embrace the atom for its future. They say science should dictate policy.
Chiang Chao-yuan (CLIMATE VANGUARDS):
We are happy to see the government willing to return to science and technology.
Some opposed to nuclear power may be manipulating fear and political factors over science and expertise.
That is not good.
REPORTER:
This kind of back-and-forth has been going on since 2011—when then-presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen first floated a nuclear phase out. Though Sunday marked one year since the last reactor shut down, the issue is still far from resolved.
