TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to a nuclear-free homeland policy on Friday (July 5), despite ongoing discussions about energy issues. Peng emphasized the importance of adhering to this long-standing societal consensus.
Tung Tzu-Hsien (童子賢), deputy convener of the National Climate Change Response Committee, suggested on June 27 that Taiwan consider nuclear power, similar to Switzerland, to address base-load power issues. However, Peng highlighted that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) remains open to energy discussions without mandating a specific approach.
Peng reportedly discusses energy topics with Tung weekly and acknowledges they both hold differing views. He remarked that any future new energy sources can be considered, but the nuclear-free homeland is a consensus in Taiwanese society that must be followed.
Regarding the opposition's push to extend the life of nuclear power plants, Peng stressed the importance of addressing atomic waste disposal and gaining consensus from communities near power plants. He added that any actions must comply with legal regulations.