nuclear-news

In Taiwan, DPP, Hou You-yi clash over nuclear power

Taipei Times, By Chen Yun and Jonathan Chin / Staff reporter, with staff writer, 7 June 23

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜) yesterday clashed over energy policy after Hou reiterated that he would back the utilization of nuclear power plants if elected president.

Hou is the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) candidate in next year’s presidential election.

Taiwan might not have enough electricity reserves to ensure a stable power supply for the nation’s chipmakers to retain their competitive edge, Hou told a news conference after a meeting at city hall………….

Taiwan is to generate 30,000 kWh of renewable electricity by 2030 as per the RE100 initiative, to which Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) and the nation’s top enterprises have pledged themselves, Chang said.

The initiative’s definition of renewables does not include nuclear power, he said, adding that Hou does not understand the needs of industry or Taiwan’s international obligations.

……………The New Taipei City Government has sued Taipower multiple times over the past 10 years to prevent the storage of radioactive waste from nuclear power plants in its jurisdiction, he said.

Hou must explain to voters how he would deal with the issue of nuclear waste if elected, Chang said.

“Hou cannot push for nuclear power on the one hand and give empty platitudes [about storage] on the other,” he said.  https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/06/08/2003801210

June 8, 2023 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, Taiwan