Taiwan Nuclear Plant Re-Opening Vote Fails as Approval Threshold Missed

On Saturday, a referendum to reopen the Maanshan nuclear power plant in southern Taiwan failed to meet the required voter threshold. The vote, proposed by the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) and backed by the Kuomintang (KMT), sought approval to restart the facility if safety was ensured. The plant was closed in May as Taiwan shifts toward renewables and liquefied natural gas. Approximately 4.3 million voted in favor, with 1.5 million against, but the referendum needed 5 million votes to pass.

Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant stands, ahead of a referendum on whether to restart the closed facility, in Pingtung, Taiwan August 20, 2025.

The government cited safety risks, including Taiwan’s earthquake-prone environment and nuclear waste challenges. President Lai Ching-te stated: “If in the future, the technology becomes safer, nuclear waste is reduced, and societal acceptance increases, we will not rule out advanced nuclear energy.”

Separately, a recall vote against seven KMT lawmakers was rejected. A prior recall attempt targeting 24 KMT lawmakers also failed in July. Civic groups, supported by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), claimed the lawmakers hindered government operations, a charge they denied.

Lai declined Premier Cho Jung-tai’s resignation requests after the July vote and announced a cabinet reshuffle to improve governance. The TPP and KMT hold a parliamentary majority, while the DPP controls the presidency.