Taiwan Considers Nuclear Technology for Semiconductors

Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai has indicated that the government may be reconsidering its long-standing opposition to nuclear energy in light of surging electricity demands from the semiconductor industry, particularly due to the AI boom. In a recent Bloomberg interview, Cho expressed that Taiwan is 'very open' to new nuclear technologies, provided there is a consensus on nuclear safety and waste management. The shift comes after years of decommissioning nuclear plants following the Fukushima disaster in 2011, which significantly lowered public support for nuclear energy. With Taiwan's electricity demand projected to rise dramatically, the government has already increased electricity prices twice this year to manage the growing needs of chipmakers like TSMC. Cho emphasized that discussions on nuclear energy could occur if there is strong public consensus, thus marking a potential pivotal change in Taiwan's energy policy. This reconsideration also aligns with global trends where other tech giants are investing in nuclear technology to secure energy supply.