[Energy Doppelganger Taiwan Visit] (Part 1) Department Head at Taiwan Nengwon: "We Are Watching Fusion and SMR with Interest"

Interview with Director Wu Ziwei
Taiwan to Consider 'New Nuclear Technologies'
If Safety and Nuclear Waste Issues Are Resolved

Woo Jiwei, Deputy Director of the Energy Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan, is being interviewed by Asia Economy on the 21st. 2025.3.21. Photo by Kang Heejong

"Taiwan is also closely monitoring nuclear-related technologies. If safety is ensured and the issue of nuclear waste is resolved, 'new nuclear technologies' could be considered."

Wu Ziwei, Director of the Energy Department (Nengyuan-shu·Energy Agency) of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, emphasized in an interview with Asia Economy held on the 21st of last month at the Ministry of Economic Affairs conference room in Taipei that the Taiwanese government will continue to maintain interest in and monitor the development of new nuclear technologies even after the nuclear phase-out. As of May 17, Taiwan is approaching the shutdown of its last operating nuclear power plant, Maanshan Unit 2. The Energy Department is an organization under Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, equivalent to the Energy Agency.

The nuclear policy of the Lai Ching-te administration, launched in May last year, takes a more pragmatic approach to nuclear power compared to the previous Tsai Ing-wen administration, despite both being from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Unlike the previous government, which strongly pushed for nuclear phase-out, the Lai Ching-te administration is considered more open to nuclear power both inside and outside Taiwan.

Premier Chuo Lung-tai also expressed in an interview with Bloomberg last October that he is "very open" to new nuclear technologies. He stated that if there is consensus on nuclear safety and a proper direction for nuclear waste disposal is guaranteed, these technologies could be publicly discussed.

When asked what the 'new nuclear technologies' mentioned by Premier Chuo Lung-tai refer to, Director Wu Ziwei explained, "We are monitoring new technology trends such as nuclear fusion and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)." This can be interpreted to mean that if these two technologies are proven, nuclear energy could be reintroduced.

The change in the Taiwanese government's stance is due to the recent surge in electricity demand caused by the spread of artificial intelligence (AI), similar to the situation in South Korea.

Director Wu Ziwei stated, "Due to AI, electricity demand is expected to increase by an average of 2.8% annually until 2033." However, he emphasized, "The projected daytime peak power demand in 2033 will reach 52 GW, and the nighttime peak will be 47.66 GW. According to current energy policies, there should be no problem in responding to this."