Taipei: Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang and civic representative Wu Ya-hsin exchanged criticisms on Wednesday regarding the potential restart of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant. Huang emphasized the importance of the plant’s operation for Taiwan’s energy security, whereas Wu underscored the seismic dangers and unresolved nuclear waste issues associated with the facility.

According to Focus Taiwan, the debate occurred during the fourth of five Central Election Commission (CEC) presentation sessions ahead of the August 23 referendum on the nuclear plant’s future in Pingtung County. Huang highlighted Taiwan’s reliance on extensive use of firepower for energy production, which he argued contradicts the nation’s net-zero emissions objectives. He criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s renewable energy policies, suggesting they have caused more damage than benefits.

Huang expressed concerns over the government’s focus on solar energy, citing Typhoon Danas as evidence of the vulnerability of solar panels, which he described as becoming “large-scale waste dumps.” He contended that while the risks of nuclear energy are scientifically manageable, the detrimental effects of solar energy are already apparent. He further referenced the American Chamber of Commerce’s concerns about unstable electricity supply, warning of the implications for Taiwan in the AI era where electricity equates to national power.

Huang also argued that nuclear power would bolster Taiwan’s resilience in light of tensions with China, stating that a maritime blockade by China could deplete Taiwan’s natural gas supplies within ten days, making the absence of nuclear power Taiwan’s most significant national security flaw. He criticized the DPP’s inaction on nuclear waste management and advocated for deep borehole disposal technology to manage spent fuel rods effectively.

Conversely, Wu pointed to the Fukushima disaster as evidence of the inherent risks of nuclear energy. She highlighted the Hengchun Fault’s proximity to the Maanshan plant, noting that it is classified as an active fault line. Wu argued that despite some facility reinforcements, the plant does not meet international nuclear safety standards, and significant uncertainty remains regarding the time and financial investment needed to enhance its seismic safety.

Wu shared a letter from a young Fukushima resident, emphasizing the long-term health impacts experienced by those affected by the disaster. She concluded by asserting that Taiwan lacks a final repository for nuclear waste and advocated for a transition to energy solutions that are feasible, sustainable, and responsible, rather than reverting to options that overlook potential risks.