Taipei: Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), unveiled plans to push for law amendments to extend the lifespan of the country's nuclear power plants on Monday, citing a recent poll indicating more than 70 percent of Taiwanese support the idea.
According to Focus Taiwan, a KMT think tank published the poll results at a press conference in Taipei, using the data to advocate for amendments to several laws the party argues restrict energy development under the energy policies of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The poll revealed that 73.6 percent of respondents supported amending existing laws to extend the operational lifespan of nuclear power plants from 40 years to 60 years, while 20.7 percent opposed the idea.
KMT Chairman Eric Chu criticized the DPP's 'nuclear-free homeland' policy, suggesting it has adversely affected Taiwan's energy development. He claimed that replacing nuclear plants with green energy would lead to rising electricity prices and severe losses for Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower). Currently, only 3 percent of Taiwan's electricity is generated by the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant's Unit 2 in Pingtung County, which is scheduled for decommissioning on May 17.
KMT lawmaker Ko Chih-en highlighted that support for extending nuclear power plant operations was particularly strong in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli, where 89.3 percent of respondents favored the idea, a trend linked to the presence of Hsinchu Science Park. KMT legislator Wang Hung-wei warned about potential power shortages impacting Taiwan's artificial intelligence industry.
To ensure a stable power supply, the KMT aims to amend multiple acts, including the Electricity Act and the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act. Ko criticized the current oversight of Taiwan's energy policies, suggesting the establishment of an independent review committee, a move supported by 77 percent of respondents.
Public opinion showed some division on shifting Taiwan's energy policy from a "nuclear-free homeland" to a "low-carbon homeland," with 57.8 percent in favor. Ko called for more public education on this issue, while Chu urged for bipartisan cooperation to amend the relevant laws.
The poll conducted by All Dimensions Public Research Inc. involved 1,069 valid samples collected via phone interviews from February 10-12, as stated by the KMT.
Responding to the KMT, the Ministry of Economic Affairs stressed the need for dialogue between parties and the uncompromising necessity of nuclear safety. The ministry highlighted that nuclear power plants were originally designed for a 40-year lifespan, thus requiring a comprehensive review if an extension is pursued.
Defending the Energy Administration's independence, the ministry noted outside involvement in power-related review committees and offices. It also welcomed collaboration with the opposition in reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero goals, calling for contributions from Taipower's thermal power plants in KMT-led Taichung and Keelung to these efforts.