Taiwan's Stance on Nuclear Energy: A Balancing Act
Taiwan's approach to nuclear energy is under scrutiny as the nation strives for green energy financing and investment. Premier Chen acknowledges that to qualify for "green energy financing and investment," nuclear plants must meet specific criteria, but Taiwan's current management of nuclear waste falls short of international standards. It's worth noting that the global initiative for renewable energy, RE100, excludes nuclear power from its scope.
Despite these challenges, Taiwan remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The government is actively pursuing policies to reduce carbon emissions, expand sustainable energy sources, and ensure a stable power supply for the nation's future.
Recent developments have seen the decommissioning of the Jinshan and Guosheng nuclear power plants in New Taipei City, while the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant in Gongliao District faces hurdles due to "intractable problems." As a result, meeting the 10 percent contribution of nuclear energy by 2030 will be a formidable task.
Opposition parties are urged to not only propose the locations for new plants but also devise strategies for dealing with nuclear waste. The construction of nuclear plants, once a decade-long endeavor, now extends to over 20 years due to heightened safety requirements, additional costs, and public opposition, exacerbated by events like the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters.
Taiwan's struggle with nuclear waste management remains unresolved, as consensus on a final storage site continues to elude policymakers. Even the introduction of dry storage for spent nuclear fuel has encountered opposition from local governments, underscoring the challenges in addressing nuclear waste.
In the midst of this debate, some Taiwanese legislators express concerns about the government's energy policies and the potential for corruption. They advocate for a more sustainable energy approach, including promoting renewable energy, ensuring a stable electricity supply, providing financial incentives, implementing a "carbon fee" mechanism for industries to transition to green energy, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles and public transportation.
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