TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang (KMT) presidential hopeful Hou Yu-ih unveiled his energy policy on Wednesday (Aug. 9), outlining four goals aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050: environmental sustainability, national security, public health, and a sustainable transition.
During a morning press conference, Hou proposed to reduce coal consumption by bolstering nuclear energy utilization. He aims to reduce coal-based power generation to 14% by 2030, aiming to eliminate coal usage from Taiwan's energy portfolio by 2040.
Hou reiterated that he has consistently supported nuclear energy, emphasizing that his approval is contingent on adherence to stringent safety protocols. He asserted, "The government's appropriate approach is to take responsibility for ensuring the safety of nuclear operations, thereby enabling us to tap into the benefits of nuclear energy."
Should he secure the presidency, Hou pledged to extend the operational lifespans of the nation's three existing nuclear power plants following rigorous inspections and necessary maintenance.
Furthermore, he expressed his commitment to reviving the fourth nuclear power plant. To oversee this endeavor, he vowed to establish a "Fourth Nuclear Power Plant Safety Review Committee," comprising domestic and international energy experts.
By the target year of 2050, Hou envisions a complete phase-out of coal and natural gas usage in Taiwan's energy landscape. Instead, he anticipates that renewable energy sources will surge to constitute 57% of the total, with nuclear energy comprising 16%.