TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) assured Tuesday (May 26) that the island's power supply will meet demand through 2030-2032, responding directly to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's (黃仁勳) warning that Taiwan needs more energy to sustain its economic growth and AI ambitions.
Before entering Taiwan's parliament that morning, Cho said state-run Taiwan Power Co. (台電), known as Taipower, had conducted detailed calculations confirming no power shortages would occur before 2030-2032. He also confirmed that nuclear reactor restart reviews are actively underway.
"Taiwan has a responsibility to industries worldwide," Cho said with confidence. "We must guarantee the provision of clean and stable power supply."
The premier's remarks came hours after Huang made similar comments outside a Taipei restaurant. Huang, on day three of a weeklong Taiwan visit, said the island needs more energy for its manufacturing sector and AI data centers. "Without energy, there is no economic growth," Huang said after dining with family in Taipei.
Cho outlined the government's "second energy transition" policy, converting coal-fired plants to natural gas. The shift aims to improve air quality, support net-zero goals, and boost efficiency, he said.
On nuclear power, Cho confirmed that Taiwan's Nuclear Safety Commission (核安會) is conducting reviews of nuclear plants under the Nuclear Regulatory Act (核管法). Taipower has submitted restart plans currently being evaluated, he said.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said Taipower is planning new substations for the Beitou-Shilin area, but the fundamental issue lies in national energy policy. Chiang, of the opposition Kuomintang, noted that Huang said last year Taiwan "absolutely must invest in nuclear power."
Huang arrived Saturday for a visit expected to last more than a week. His itinerary includes TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家), Quanta Computer (廣達), and an employee gathering Wednesday at Nvidia's planned headquarters site.
On Thursday, Huang will host the "trillion-dollar banquet" (兆元宴), a dinner for supply chain partners whose combined market value exceeds NT$1 trillion (around US$31.8 billion). Nvidia has not yet submitted design review for its Taiwan headquarters, Taipei city officials said. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.43)