TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Voters have rejected a closely watched national referendum that would have restarted operations at Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant if it were deemed safe, reaffirming the country's nuclear-free policy direction despite mounting energy and climate challenges.
The referendum received 4,341,432 votes in favor and 1,511,693 votes against, per the Central Election Commission. It failed to meet the required thresholds, a majority of “yes” votes, and at least 25% of all eligible voters — over 5 million — voting in favor. The voter turnout was 29.53%.
Under Taiwan’s referendum law, a failed measure cannot be proposed again for at least two years. This is the second time in recent years that Taiwanese voters have rejected a nuclear energy proposal at the ballot box.
While the 2018 “Nuclear for Green” referendum was approved — repealing the law that required a nuclear-free Taiwan by 2025 — the government nonetheless continued its phase-out plan. It argued the long-term energy strategy should not be reversed by a single vote.
The 2021 referendum to restart the mothballed fourth nuclear power plant was voted down, with the majority of voters expressing concerns over safety and waste management. Saturday's referendum once again underscored deep divides over the use of nuclear energy.
Supporters argue that nuclear power is a necessary tool for achieving both energy stability and carbon reduction, especially given the limitations of renewable energy. They say that reviving Maanshan — the third nuclear power plant, in Pingtung County — would reduce reliance on coal and natural gas and strengthen the nation's backup power capacity to prevent blackouts.
Opponents point out that the plant is located near a fault line and that its aging infrastructure poses safety risks, though it has operated without any major incidents. They also emphasize that Taiwan has yet to find a solution for the long-term disposal of nuclear waste, while restarting the plant could worsen the issue.
Critics advocate for a transition centered on renewable energy, improved energy storage, regional power grid upgrades, and more flexible energy management, rather than reverting to nuclear energy.
In a speech following the referendum, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) acknowledged the public’s desire for a more diversified and stable energy supply.
He said he would instruct Taipower to conduct safety inspections of decommissioned nuclear plants in preparation for potential reactivation. He also expressed openness to adopting advanced nuclear technologies that are considered safer and produce less nuclear waste.
Taipower Chair Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) said Thursday that, regardless of the referendum result, he believes the company should proceed with a safety inspection of the nuclear power plant. He estimated that, under ideal conditions, the internal safety review could be completed within two years.
Regarding proposals to adopt deep borehole disposal technology, Tseng said Taiwan's seismic activity and less stable geological conditions pose major obstacles compared to Europe.
