Arguments over the use nuclear power have been heating up in Taiwan since Japan's earthquake on March 11. Germany's recent announcement of shutting down all nuclear power plants before 2022 has fueled the already-heated debate between the government and the opposition party.
Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of Taiwan's main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has stated the purpose of her recent trip to Europe is to observe the renewable energy industry and policies proposed by the European governments. Germany's planned abolishment of all nuclear power plants before 2022 coincides with the DPP's call for retiring the island's nuclear power plants.
Minister without portfolio Yiin Chii-ming has stressed that although Germany has decided to shut down its nuclear power plants, other countries such as France, the UK, and South Korea, have not proposed similar policies. Yiin noted that Japan is only reevaluating the energy policies, asking why Taiwan must learn from Germany but not maintain its own energy policies like the other countries.
According to Yiin, Taiwan is quite different from Germany in weather conditions, energy supplies, grid characteristics, electricity structures, and energy prices. Yiin added that Germany has a system of parallel grid with France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Czech Republic, and Austria, and when there is power shortage, Germany can purchase electricity from France. Taiwan's grid is independent, and once shortage of electricity occurs, there are no foreign assistances. Also, Germany's electricity bill is more expensive than Taiwan's, so if Taiwan shuts down existing nuclear power plants, the price for electricity will rise.
Yiin hopes the DPP can formulate a solution to back up its call for abolishing nuclear power by 2025.
After Japan's nuclear crisis broke out on March 11, Taiwan's Atomic Energy Council (AEC) has made preliminary assessment of the three operating nuclear power plants and concluded that there are no immediate or serious safety concerns. However, the council has requested Taiwan Power Company to improve measures to prevent power outage caused by tsunami, flood, and earthquakes.
Premier Wu Den-yih indicated that Taiwan will not have a fifth nuclear power plant. The three existing nuclear power plants will not be considered for extensions. The fourth nuclear power plant that is still under construction might not be put into use. Taiwan will only become a non-nuclear country when there are no shortages and limitations on electricity.
Taiwan Power Company, however, holds a different opinion. The cost for extending existing nuclear power plants is only 10% of the cost of building new nuclear power plants and can produce the same amount of electricity. The Department of Nuclear Regulations, under AEC, stated that it has not yet received the clear orders that the three operational nuclear power plants will not be considered for extensions.