TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo (郭智輝) addressed Taiwan's nuclear power strategy Wednesday (Nov. 20), emphasizing that waste management remains the last concern to be tackled. While speaking at the Legislative Yuan's Economics Committee (立法院經濟委員會), Kuo highlighted the challenge of nuclear waste disposal and suggested adopting U.S. technology to tackle this issue.
During the meeting, he also reported on the 2024 operational budgets for Taiwan Power Company (Taipower, 台電) and Taiwan Water Corporation (台水) and faced inquiries from legislators. He pointed out that Taipower received NT$100 billion in subsidies in the Executive Yuan's 2024 budget, seeking an additional NT$100 billion for 2023.
Legislators challenged the need for further subsidies, arguing that an NT$100 billion subsidy could already turn Taipower's losses into profits this year. Kuo explained that Taipower's accumulated losses exceed NT$300 billion, affecting financial stability, and subsidies are crucial for financial improvement.
The focus on nuclear waste management and financial stabilization underscores Taiwan's energy policy challenges. Observers will watch how Taiwan navigates these issues, potentially drawing from international experiences to shape its energy future.