According to Taiwan's Central News Agency, the proposal passed with 58 votes in favor and 49 against. It received backing from the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party. The proposal must now be reviewed by the Central Election Commission before a public vote can be scheduled.
This development follows the recent disconnection of Maanshan Unit 2, the last operational nuclear reactor in Taiwan, from the power grid. The unit had reached the end of its 40-year operating license and is scheduled for decommissioning under Taiwan’s existing nuclear phase-out policy.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which assumed office in January 2016, has maintained a goal of achieving a “nuclear-free” energy strategy by 2025. Shortly after taking office, the DPP administration passed amendments to the Electricity Act to legally enforce this policy. The target energy mix includes 20% from renewable sources, 50% from liquefied natural gas, and 30% from coal.
Maanshan Unit 2 contributed around 3% of Taiwan's electricity supply before it was shut down.
In a separate move, the Legislative Yuan last week approved an amendment to the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act. This change permits nuclear operators to apply for a 20-year extension beyond the current 40-year operating limit, allowing reactors to potentially operate for up to 60 years. The amendment passed with 60 votes in favor and 51 against, with the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People’s Party supporting the measure, and the DPP opposing it.
Additionally, the National Atomic Research Institute (NARI) has initiated a four-year research project focused on small modular reactors (SMRs), with funding exceeding TWD100 million (approximately USD3.3 million). The project is aimed at supporting future industry and national energy planning. President William Lai has expressed a willingness to consider advanced nuclear technologies under the conditions of assured nuclear safety, effective waste management, and public consensus. NARI has stated that it expects commercial SMRs to potentially enter the market by 2030.
