TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) emphasized Taiwan's need for diversified energy development during a Thursday (Nov. 14) session at the Legislative Yuan (立法院). Peng highlighted the findings of the COP29 report, noting that green energy now accounts for 45% of global energy, with nuclear energy playing only a partial role.
Peng addressed the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee (社會福利及衛生環境委員會), stating that new nuclear technologies require time to mature, with no commercial operations yet available. He admitted that public acceptance might follow if nuclear waste is minimized and efficiency increases.
Peng stressed Taiwan's multifaceted challenges in energy development, asserting that no single energy source can resolve these issues and advocating for a diversified strategy. Responding to media inquiries, he noted that a Trump presidency might support fossil fuel development despite the Republican Party's historical leanings toward nuclear energy. Taiwan will closely monitor any policy shifts.
Recent discussions around nuclear energy have sparked public debate. James C. Liao (廖俊智), president of Academia Sinica (中央研究院), stated during a Legislative Yuan inquiry that Taiwan cannot afford to eliminate any clean energy options in its pursuit of the 2050 net-zero carbon goal, leaving nuclear power on the table.