Taiwan’s last nuclear plant has failed to meet a legal threshold for reopening after a referendum backed by opposition parties showed a clear majority in favor of its revival. The Maanshan power plant, which was closed in May as part of the government’s shift to renewable energy and liquefied natural gas, received 4.3 million votes in support of reopening, compared to 1.5 million who opposed it.
However, the referendum needed a quarter of all registered electors – about 5 million people – to pass under electoral law, meaning the plant will not reopen at present. The government cites major safety concerns regarding nuclear power generation and waste handling in earthquake-prone Taiwan as key reasons for the decision.
President Lai Ching-te acknowledged “society’s expectations” for diverse energy options but emphasized that advanced nuclear technology must become safer before it can be considered. He left the door open to reopening the plant if future improvements are made.
In related news, separate votes saw electors reject a recall of seven KMT legislators and also failed to oust 24 lawmakers from the same party in a larger recall vote last month. Civic groups behind these campaigns accused the legislators of being too close to China but were met with strong denials from the lawmakers.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/24