Taiwan's Nuclear Phaseout Sparks Concerns Over Reliance on Thermal Energy

Strategic Insights -

Taiwan's recent decision to phase out nuclear energy has raised concerns among lawmakers, environmental groups, and experts, who warn of a sharp increase in thermal power generation and potential declines in air quality. The shutdown of the island's last nuclear reactor has seen thermal energy account for 96.5% of Taiwan's electricity load, prompting fears of increased reliance on fossil fuels and the risks associated with air pollution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Weng Hsiao-ling, a KMT legislator, criticized the government's decision to phase out nuclear energy, citing a sharp increase in thermal power generation following the shutdown of Taiwan's last nuclear reactor.
  • Thermal energy accounted for 96.5% of Taiwan's electricity load on Saturday night, the first night without nuclear power, according to Tai Sounds.
  • Environmental group Climate Pioneers League warned that increased reliance on thermal energy could elevate the risk of lung cancer, with founder Yang Chia-fa cautioning that Taiwan may be forced to depend on thermal energy even during poor air quality conditions.
  • Thoracic surgeon Su Yi-fong supported the group's concerns, citing studies linking air pollution to rising lung cancer cases in Taiwan.
  • Retired National Tsing Hua University Professor Li Min warned that Taiwan risks becoming overly reliant on fossil fuels and called for a return to nuclear energy.
  • Environmental engineering Professor Tsuang Ben-jei of National Chung Hsing University opposed the idea, emphasizing that Taiwan's geographic size makes it especially vulnerable to the consequences of a nuclear disaster.
  • Taipower reassured the public that Taiwan's thermal generation has become cleaner in recent years, with new power generators expected to be online before summer.
  • Premier Cho Jung-tai and Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming downplayed concerns over air quality, with the minister stating that the retirement of nuclear energy will have minimal impact.

Statistics:

  • 96.5%: share of thermal energy in Taiwan's electricity load on Saturday night (Tai Sounds)
  • 100%: utilization of nearly all forms of thermal power in May, according to UDN
  • 90%: reduction in coal-based power generation in Taiwan since 2015 (Taipower)
  • 10: number of years of operation for the last nuclear reactor in Taiwan (Taiwan News)

Sources:

  • Tai Sounds
  • UDN
  • Penghu County Government
  • Climate Pioneers League
  • National Tsing Hua University
  • National Chung Hsing University
  • Taipower
  • Premier's Office
  • Environment Ministry
  • ETtoday