Taiwan's Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant (NPP3) Unit 2 was officially shut down on May 17. A referendum on Aug. 23 will play a decisive role in determining whether the country continues to use nuclear power. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Unit 2 of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant (NPP3) in Pingtung County, Taiwan’s last operating nuclear reactor, was decommissioned on May 17, marking the beginning of the country’s nuclear-free era. Just three days later, however, the Legislative Yuan approved a proposal for a referendum to restarting the plant, scheduled for Aug. 23, giving its future a new twist.
Japan’s Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011 sparked worldwide opposition to nuclear power, and Taiwan was no exception. In recent years, however, the rapid growth of AI and the push for net-zero emissions have driven up demand for electricity, putting nuclear power back in the spotlight.
Regarding the nuclear power referendum, which asks “whether NPP3 should continue operating if approved by regulators as safe,” RECCESSARY outlines four key points of public concern to explain both sides of the debate.
