President Lai Ching-te Opposes Restart of Taiwan's Third Nuclear Power Plant

President Lai Ching-te, speaking as chair of the Democratic Progressive Party, has stated that he will vote against the restart of Taiwan's third nuclear power plant in the upcoming referendum scheduled for August 23. This decision comes despite the fact that the Maanshan plant, which was the last nuclear reactor in operation, was shut down in May, marking a significant step towards achieving Taiwan's goal of becoming a nuclear-free homeland by 2025. Opposition parties have launched a campaign for a referendum on the issue, with voters being asked whether they agree that the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operation upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns. President Lai emphasized that for the restart to be approved, the Nuclear Safety Commission must first draw up a procedure for a safety review of nuclear energy, and that the state utility Taiwan Power Company must conduct the review based on this procedure and evaluate the safety and cost.

Key Takeaways:

• President Lai Ching-te will vote against the restart of Taiwan's third nuclear power plant in the upcoming referendum.
• The Maanshan plant was shut down in May, marking a significant step towards achieving Taiwan's goal of becoming a nuclear-free homeland by 2025.
• The opposition parties' campaign for a referendum on the issue has led to televised presentations for and against nuclear energy.
• President Lai emphasized the need for the Nuclear Safety Commission to draw up a procedure for a safety review of nuclear energy and for the Taiwan Power Company to conduct the review based on this procedure.
• The president reiterated his administration's stance that there should be no doubts about the safety of nuclear energy, a solution to the problem of nuclear waste, and a national consensus on the issue.

Statistics:

• Taiwan aims to become a nuclear-free homeland by 2025.
• The Maanshan plant was shut down in May, marking 8 years of deadline achievement.
• 23% of voters will face the question in the upcoming referendum on the issue.

Sources:

• CNA