Key Facts
• Taiwan achieved “nuclear-free” status in May 2025 after halting its last reactor.
• A referendum on restarting the No. 3 nuclear reactor in Pingtung County was held on August 23.
• Approval votes failed to reach the required threshold of 25% of eligible voters.
• Pro-restart votes significantly outnumbered opposition votes.
• Taiwan’s semiconductor and AI industries are driving future electricity demand.
• In May, opposition-led lawmakers passed a bill allowing reactor restart extensions.
• The referendum asked if operations could continue if safety concerns were resolved.
• Opposition parties advocate nuclear energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• The ruling Democratic Progressive Party opposes restarting aging reactors.
• President Lai Ching-te urged citizens to vote against the restart.
Summary
Taiwan’s referendum on restarting the No. 3 nuclear reactor in Pingtung County failed to meet the required voter turnout threshold on August 23, 2025. Despite pro-restart votes significantly outnumbering opposition, the referendum did not pass. Taiwan has been “nuclear-free” since May 2025, following the shutdown of its last operational reactor. The opposition-led legislature had previously passed a bill allowing reactor restart extensions, citing the need to address rising electricity demands driven by the semiconductor and AI industries. The referendum focused on whether operations could resume if safety concerns were resolved. While opposition parties support nuclear energy to combat greenhouse gas emissions, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party remains firmly against restarting aging reactors. President Lai Ching-te actively campaigned for a “no” vote, reflecting the party’s anti-nuclear stance. The debate over Taiwan’s energy future is expected to continue.
