TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) stressed Thursday (April 17) that any extension of Taiwan's nuclear power plants would require broad public consensus, a politically charged issue in the island nation. His comments came before testifying at Taiwan's parliament, the Legislative Yuan, where officials gathered to assess how America's Paris Agreement exit might impact Taiwan's industrial sector.
Minister Peng emphasized his ministry's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions while keeping a close eye on global energy developments. He noted that Taiwan's top leadership, including President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), have consistently advocated for comprehensive public discussions before any nuclear restart initiatives could move forward.
According to Peng, Taiwan faces significant technical challenges in nuclear restart efforts, having never previously reactivated dormant facilities. The process would demand extensive equipment inspections, seismic risk evaluations, and sustainable waste management solutions. Citing International Energy Agency research, he revealed that extending a single nuclear unit's operational lifespan could cost Taiwan several billion U.S. dollars, reinforcing why public consensus remains essential for such consequential investments in the island's energy portfolio. ★
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