Nearly 70% of Taiwanese respondents support restarting nuclear power plants, according to a poll conducted by Business Today [1].
The shift in public sentiment comes as Taiwan faces mounting pressure to stabilize its energy grid. The rapid expansion of the artificial intelligence industry has significantly increased electricity demand, forcing the government to reconsider its energy mix to avoid power shortages.
In addition to restarting existing plants, the poll found that nearly 70% of respondents favor the development of small modular reactors [1]. These smaller, prefabricated units are often viewed as a safer and more flexible alternative to traditional large-scale nuclear facilities.
This surge in support arrives ahead of a scheduled vote on nuclear energy policy that took place in November 2024 [1]. The results suggest a growing public willingness to accept nuclear energy to ensure economic stability and energy security.
Energy experts said that the AI boom requires massive amounts of power for data centers. This industrial growth has made the transition to carbon-free, high-output energy sources a priority for many residents and policymakers alike.
While Taiwan has previously moved toward a nuclear-free future, the current data indicates a reversal in public preference. The reliance on imported fuels and the volatility of renewable energy sources have contributed to the renewed interest in atomic power [1].
“Nearly 70% of Taiwanese respondents support restarting nuclear power plants.”
The alignment of public opinion with nuclear expansion suggests a pragmatic shift in Taiwan's energy strategy. By prioritizing the power needs of the AI sector over previous anti-nuclear mandates, the government may find the political cover necessary to integrate small modular reactors into the national grid to maintain its global standing in semiconductor and AI hardware production.
