Taiwan a step closer to restarting nuclear power plant
Taiwan is considering the potential restart of its Maanshan nuclear power plant by 2028 following legislative changes that allow for license extensions. The decision comes as the country faces increasing electricity demand from the technology and semiconductor sectors, mirroring a broader regional shift toward nuclear energy across Asia.
Taiwan is taking steps to potentially restart its Maanshan nuclear power plant, which was decommissioned in May 2025 after its forty-year operating license expired. While the country previously aimed to phase out nuclear energy entirely, recent legislative changes now allow for permit extensions. Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai has expressed openness to the shift, and officials estimate that safety checks and approval processes could lead to a reopening by 2028.
This policy reversal reflects a broader trend across Asia as nations seek to meet rising electricity demands from data centers and major industries like semiconductor manufacturing, including companies such as TSMC. Similar moves are being observed in Japan, China, and South Korea, where the focus on reliable, clean power is driving the expansion or reactivation of nuclear facilities. The shift in Taiwan marks a significant departure from its decade-long goal of achieving a nuclear-free status, as the government prioritizes energy stability for its growing economic needs.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
