Taiwan shut down its last active nuclear reactor after 40 years of operation, marking a milestone in its energy policy. The Maanshan plant in the south of the country was disconnected days ago, ending nuclear power production on the island.
The closure responds to decades of pressure from environmental organizations that advocated for an energy transition without nuclear fission. However, the abandonment of this source does not imply a total ecological victory.
The management of nuclear waste remains a pending issue. The spent fuel rods will be removed from the reactor in the coming days, but there is still no definitive repository to store them safely.
The dismantling of Maanshan adds to that of the Chinshan and Kuosheng plants, closed between 2018 and 2023. Although they no longer generate energy, their radioactive legacy will continue to require surveillance for decades.
A future without atoms, but still with carbon
The closure of the reactor comes at a time when Taiwan relies heavily on fossil fuels. It is estimated that by 2025, 84% of its energy matrix will come from gas and coal.
This calls into question its commitment to decarbonization, especially given the lag in the development of renewable energies. The green drive has not yet managed to replace the lost capacity from the closure of nuclear plants.
Nuclear energy once represented 16% of the electricity supply before 2015. Its elimination has reduced that contribution to 3%, leaving a gap that will be difficult to fill without polluting emissions.
Experts estimate that, to compensate for the nuclear shutdown, Taiwan will have to increase its imports of liquefied natural gas. This would entail an additional expense of 2 billion dollars per year until 2030.
The energy debate continues
Although the reactor has been shut down, there are still critical voices calling for a reconsideration of the closure. The political opposition in Taiwan is pushing for a referendum to extend the lifespan of nuclear plants.
Among the arguments is the possible increase in electricity costs and the environmental impact of greater fossil fuel use. However, the decision already marks a profound change in the country’s energy history.
Taiwan’s challenge will now be to accelerate the adoption of renewable energies and urgently address the management of nuclear waste. Only then can it sustain an ecological transition that is still far from complete.
Nuclear reactor in Taiwan. Photo: Reccessary.
The use of nuclear reactors in Taiwan
For over four decades, Taiwan bet on nuclear energy as part of its energy matrix. At its peak, this source represented over 16% of the electricity generated on the island, with four active reactors distributed in three nuclear plants. This option was seen for years as an efficient way to meet energy demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
However, environmental concerns and the risks associated with atomic energy prompted a change of course. Starting in 2018, Taiwan began the progressive closure of its reactors, culminating in 2025 with the shutdown of the last operational one, located at the Maanshan plant. This decision marked the end of an era, making the island a nuclear-free territory.
Despite their retirement, nuclear reactors left a legacy of radioactive waste that still needs to be managed responsibly. Authorities face the challenge of finding suitable sites for their definitive storage and ensuring their long-term safety, while promoting the transition to renewable energies.
