The United States, driven by the AI industry’s surging demand for electricity, has made restarting nuclear power a key strategic priority. Jong-Shun Chen, Associate Research Fellow at the Center for Green Economy (CGE) of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER), points out that if Taiwan follows international trends and brings the Second and Third Nuclear Power Plants back online, Taiwan Power Company could save approximately NT$135.2 billion in electricity costs annually. This would allow the utility to offset its existing losses within two years, demonstrating that nuclear energy continues to offer significant economic benefits within the energy mix.
Emerging Power Supply Pressures Demand More Pragmatic Energy Planning
Associate Research Fellow Jong-Shun Chen notes that recent instances of load curtailment in the semiconductor and steel industries reflect mounting pressure on the power supply. Global energy policy has shifted from renewable energy targets such as RE100 toward 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE). The United Nations and numerous countries have now designated nuclear power as a stable, low-carbon option. Taiwan should appropriately adjust its energy planning to balance both safety and competitiveness.
Advancing nuclear power restart operations must be grounded in regulatory transparency and public confidence in nuclear safety. The government should adopt the practices of international nuclear safety organizations by publicly disclosing review processes and safety information to strengthen public trust. While small modular reactors (SMRs) hold long-term potential, Jong-Shun Chen suggests that extending the operational life of existing units should remain the priority in the near term as a pragmatic transitional solution.
Author: CIER Editorial Team
Date: October 30, 2025