Energy Policies of 2024 Presidential Candidates: Wen-Je Ko and Yu-ih Hou Propose Extending Nuclear Power Plants' Lifespan and Incorporating Nuclear as Clean Energy

　　According to domestic reports, Kuomintang presidential candidate Yu-ih Hou advocates for including nuclear energy within the scope of clean energy. By increasing the proportion of green and nuclear energy and aiming for "environmental sustainability, national security, public health, and orderly transition," he aims to achieve faster net-zero carbon emissions goals. Yu-ih Hou emphasizes that a stable nuclear energy supply can enhance power dispatch flexibility. He plans to extend the operation of the existing nuclear facilities, namely NPP1 (Nuclear Power Plant 1), NPP2, and NPP3. Moreover, based on expert assessments of NPP4 and considering compliance with international standards and safety requirements, he is open to restarting NPP4. He believes this approach can achieve net-zero carbon emissions goals more swiftly than the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) policy.

　　Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate William Lai adheres to the concept of a non-nuclear homeland. Although he mentioned during discussions with students that decommissioned nuclear units might serve as emergency backups in the future, Lai remains committed to promoting green energy development. He points out that Taiwan's green energy generation has surpassed nuclear energy. As new units are progressively implemented, he asserts that Taiwan will not face a power shortage crisis by 2025. Regarding retaining nuclear units as reserves, Lai unequivocally states that NPP4 has already been rejected in a public referendum, NPP1 is not feasible, and NPP2 is shut down. Only NPP3 is operational, but there are challenges in communicating with local residents.

　　Taiwan People's Party presidential candidate Wen-Je Ko shares a similar perspective with Yu-ih Hou, believing in extending nuclear power plant operations to ensure energy security. However, Wen-Je Ko also emphasizes balancing stable energy supply and carbon reduction goals. He proposes a reevaluation of NPP4 by independent and unbiased third-party experts. If the inspection results allow, restarting NPP4 could be considered. Wen-Je Ko underscores that his energy policy direction involves being "clean, stable, and resilient." He believes that achieving the "Nuclear-Free Homeland by 2025" target is challenging and calls for a more practical approach to address the challenges of the energy transition.

Reference: https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20230809000422-260118?chdtv