Premier Mao Chi-kuo says Taiwan could face a possible power shortage and rationing next year.
Mao told lawmakers on Tuesday the crisis can happen anytime in the future as only 2% of operating reserves is left for this year.
Mao also said the time to decide whether the first nuclear power plant should be decommissioned is the end of next year.
“It will be many years later when Taiwan has new reactors," said Mao.
"I want to emphasize that the phenomenon of having a single-digit operating reserve for next year will exist for a long time. In other words, there may be a power shortage and rationing anytime."
Mao said nuclear power should be kept as an option as Taiwan has few choices when it comes to energy resources. The government has launched an all-out effort to develop renewable energy, natural gas power generation and thermal power alternators. But they will be unable to meet the demand for energy in the next three years.
Taiwan’s first nuclear power plant, located in New Taipei City’s Shihmen District, began commercial operations in July 1979.