Taipei: Taiwan is set to hold a significant referendum on August 23 to determine whether the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant should resume operations after being inactive since May following 40 years of service. The decision could potentially reshape Taiwan’s energy policy.

According to Focus Taiwan, the referendum was proposed by the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) in the Legislature on April 18 and received support from the main opposition, the Kuomintang (KMT), leading to its passage on May 20. The referendum poses the question of whether the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operations, contingent upon approval from competent authorities and confirmation of safety.

Proponents of restarting the plant argue that nuclear power provides stable electricity with low carbon emissions, contrasting with the inconsistencies of solar and wind energy. They emphasize Taiwan’s reliance on energy imports and potential national security risks, referencing recent solar energy scandals and financial losses faced by Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) due to high electricity costs. The proposal also notes that the European Union has included nuclear power in its sustainability strategy, and Japan has resumed operations at several nuclear reactors post-Fukushima.

Opponents, led by the National Nuclear Abolition Action Platform, cite the plant’s proximity to a fault line near the Manila Trench, considered Taiwan’s highest earthquake-risk area. They argue that extending the plant’s operations would increase costs and exacerbate nuclear waste disposal issues. The Pingtung County government has formally opposed the restart, emphasizing the importance of decommissioning in line with social consensus and democratic procedures.

The Executive Yuan has stated that Maanshan’s license has expired, and any extension would require stringent inspections prioritizing public safety. The Nuclear Safety Commission retains the authority to reject any application if safety concerns are identified.

Televised presentations and debates will occur on August 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15, organized by the Central Election Commission. Prominent figures both in favor and against the plant’s restart will present their arguments, aiming to sway public opinion ahead of the vote.

Under Taiwan’s Referendum Act, the proposal will pass if “agree” votes surpass “disagree” votes and constitute at least one-quarter of all eligible voters. If rejected, the question cannot be revisited for two years. Taiwan has a history of nuclear-related referendums, with mixed outcomes in 2018 and 2021.

Historically, Taiwan’s nuclear power began in the 1970s, with three operational plants contributing significantly to the nation’s electricity. However, anti-nuclear sentiment and policy shifts towards natural gas have reduced nuclear power’s share to a projected 4.7 percent by 2024. Major incidents like the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters have heavily influenced public opinion and policy.

All three of Taiwan’s nuclear plants have ceased operations in recent years, marking a move towards a “nuclear-free homeland” as outlined in the Basic Environment Act. The upcoming referendum will play a crucial role in determining whether Taiwan revisits its stance on nuclear energy in the face of evolving energy needs and security concerns.