Taipei: Taiwan is preparing for a pivotal referendum next week that could potentially reverse the 'nuclear-free homeland' policy it adopted in 2016. The referendum, set for August 23, will determine whether the Maanshan nuclear power plant's second reactor in southern Taiwan should be restarted, provided authorities confirm there are no safety concerns.

According to Anadolu Agency, the proposal to restart the reactor was initiated by the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) on April 18, with backing from the main opposition, the Kuomintang (KMT). The proposal received approval from the opposition-dominated local legislature on May 20, leading the Central Election Commission to schedule the vote. The referendum has sparked a wave of rallies and campaigns from both pro- and anti-nuclear energy advocates as the vote approaches.

In order for the referendum to pass, it requires the support of more than 25% of Taiwan's 5 million eligible voters and a greater number of 'yes' votes than 'no' votes. Historically, nuclear power was a major source of electricity for Taiwan, supplying over half of the island's electricity in the 1980s. However, by 2023, nuclear power's contribution had dwindled to about 6% as reactors were systematically decommissioned.

Taiwan originally had three nuclear reactor plants, all of which have been phased out since 2018. The construction of a fourth plant was halted and a 2021 referendum rejected the idea of resuming its construction. Advocates for nuclear energy argue that it is essential for Taiwan, which is heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, especially given the geopolitical risks it faces. They emphasize the low carbon emissions of nuclear energy and point to other countries, such as Japan and some EU members, that have extended the lifespans of their reactors.

Huang Kuo-Chang, TPP chairperson, has criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for failing to meet renewable energy targets. In a televised debate, Huang stated that Taiwan's coal plants are operating at full capacity, exacerbating air quality issues in southern Taiwan and adversely affecting public health.

Opponents of the nuclear restart cite concerns over seismic risks, unresolved nuclear waste management, and the potential delay in adopting renewable energy sources. They argue that transitioning to renewable energy should be gradual, similar to the phase-out of coal. Lin Zheng Yuan of the Green Citizens Action Alliance highlighted the impracticality of an abrupt energy transition, advocating for a balanced approach that reduces reliance on polluting or risky energy sources while expanding cleaner alternatives.