Taiwan recently held a referendum on restarting the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant. The referendum failed to reach the required vote threshold. Despite this, 74% of voters supported reopening the plant if it passed safety checks. However, the measure missed the minimum vote count by about 650,000 ballots.
President Lai Ching-te addressed the nation from the Presidential Office. He recognized the public’s concern about stable energy supply. He stressed the important role nuclear power could play in Taiwan’s energy mix. However, Lai insisted the debate on nuclear power must go beyond public votes. He said firmly, “nuclear safety is a scientific issue.”
Lai promised to order Taipower, the state utility, to conduct detailed safety inspections. Taipower will assess risks and operating conditions at all nuclear plants. The government will share the inspection results with the public. This approach aims to keep transparency and build trust.
The Nuclear Safety Commission will also review any plan to restart nuclear plants. The commission must approve the restart only if the plants meet strict safety standards. Lai said the commission needs to create clear safety review procedures first. Then, Taipower must conduct independent inspections following those rules. Only after these steps can the government consider reopening the plants.
Lai repeated the key phrase, “nuclear safety is a scientific issue,” throughout his speech. He stressed that decisions must rely on facts and expert analysis. He understood the desire for diverse energy sources but said science and safety must lead policies.
Lai also emphasized three principles his government follows on nuclear power. First, safety must always come first. Second, the government must solve nuclear waste issues responsibly. Third, social consensus must guide energy decisions. Following these principles will help Taiwan build a secure and sustainable energy future.
In conclusion, President Lai urged the public to trust science. He reminded citizens that nuclear safety is a scientific issue needing ongoing expert oversight. Taiwan’s energy future depends on balancing public concerns with scientific rigor and transparency.
