NGOs held a press conference on Tuesday urging the Legislature to address the issues of nuclear safety and waste management. Opposing the rushed extension of nuclear plant operations pushed by opposition lawmakers, they announced proposed amendments to the three nuclear safety laws and the radioactive waste management law for the legislative session.
Green Citizens Action Alliance Secretary-General Tsui Su-hsin (崔愫欣) said nuclear power generation is declining globally, with nuclear energy accounting for only 9.1% of the world’s electricity in 2023. Nuclear energy made up only 4% of Taiwan’s electricity in 2024 with the country’s last operating reactor set to be decommissioned in May. However, opposition parties in the Legislature are pushing to extend nuclear plant life spans from 40 to 60 years without addressing the issue of aging reactors or nuclear waste.
Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association Attorney Tsai Ya-ying (蔡雅瀅) said the proposed amendments stress the need for higher safety standards, including expanding nuclear emergency response zones and ensuring rigorous site selection. She adds that given Taiwan’s small size, a single nuclear accident could impact the entire nation.
Taiwan Citizen of the Earth deputy director Huang Ching-ting (黃靖庭) raised concerns about the government's inadequate preparedness for nuclear incidents. He pointed out that the third nuclear power plant has experienced over 30 major and minor incidents since 1984, while crucial seismic reinforcements remain incomplete. Given Taiwan’s vulnerability to seismic risks, he questioned how continued safe operations could be ensured with these conditions.