Taiwan in the Zero-Nuclear Era: Exploring the Potential and Role of Nuclear Fusion in Future Energy Strategy

The Clean Fusion Forum opened with welcoming remarks from Chairman of Alpha Ring, Peter Kurz (sixth from right),
and Chairman of TAISE, Ambassador Eugene Chien(seventh from left).

After Taiwan officially entered the "zero-nuclear power" era, nuclear fusion technology has emerged as a new focal point in the country's energy transition. In response to growing domestic and international attention on the development of new energy sources, the "2025 Nuclear Fusion Forum" was co-hosted by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), U.S.-based Alpha Ring, and the Taiwan Net Zero Emissions Association (TNZEA). The forum was grandly held on May 16 at the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation, drawing nearly 300 participants from the energy, academic, and industrial sectors.

The timing of the forum coincides with a historic turning point as Taiwan officially phases out nuclear power. Premier Cho Jung-tai recently stated that Taiwan's power supply will remain sufficient through 2032, assuring the public that there is no need to worry about electricity shortages. However, the energy transition cannot rely on policy alone, it requires technological breakthroughs and diversified energy strategies. As Pegatron Chairman Tzu-Hsien Tung once said, "Those who master nuclear fusion will rule the world," highlighting the immense potential and critical role of fusion in the future energy landscape.

Taiwan's New Energy Blueprint
The forum opened with speeches from TNZEA Chairman, Ambassador Eugene Chien, and Alpha Ring Chairman Peter Kurz. Ambassador Chien emphasized, "May 17 marks a significant milestone in Taiwan's energy history. With 96% of our energy being imported, nuclear fusion, as an emerging technology, is essential in this critical transition. Embracing the clean energy era requires collective learning."

Chairman Kurz added, "We believe in the feasibility and safety of nuclear fusion. It may be the ultimate solution for achieving global net zero target, and we hope to create an energy-secure and safe environment together."

In simple terms, nuclear fusion involves combining two (or more) atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing vast amounts of energy in the process. Unlike nuclear fission used in traditional nuclear power plants, fusion does not generate high-level radioactive waste nor pose risks of core meltdowns. Hence, it is hailed as a "clean, safe, and sustainable" ideal energy source, once described by Time Magazine as the "Holy Grail of Energy."

Focus Session I of the Clean Fusion Forum was moderated by Professor Min Lee (first from left).

Global Trends and Applications of Nuclear Fusion
The forum covered the theoretical foundations, practical applications, global development trends, and Taiwan's opportunities in nuclear fusion. Professor Min Lee, Distinguished Chair of the Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering Management at National Tsing Hua University, delivered a keynote titled "Nuclear Power, What Power, and How to Power," analyzing the technical differences and challenges between fusion and fission. He noted, "Although commercial nuclear fusion still requires effort, various experiments have proven its feasibility. By addressing concerns about nuclear proliferation, radioactive leaks, and waste disposal, Taiwan has a chance to secure a strategic position in future key technologies."

Chairman Peter Kurz further elaborated on the topic "Nuclear Fusion Technology and Global Trends," outlining the company's progress toward the commercialization of fusion. He explained that Alpha Ring has leveraged its U.S. parent company's technical advantages and local Taiwanese talent to establish an R&D team in Asia, aiming for modular and miniaturized development goals. Additionally, Alpha Ring Asia's CEO Richard Chang and Deputy General Manager Stanley Chung presented "Alpha Ring's Fusion Technology" and the "Fusion AI Data Center Showcase," respectively, demonstrating real-world applications and technical capabilities. These technologies allow for nuclear fusion operations anywhere with high precision and stability, showcasing the company's strength in promoting fusion adoption.

Opportunities, Talent, and Industry for Fusion Development
The latter part of the forum featured two panel discussions: "Challenges, Opportunities, and Vision for Nuclear Fusion" and "Fusion × Talent × Industry: Building Taiwan's New Energy Blueprint." The panels included leading experts from academia, research, and industry, such as Dr. Jyhpyng Wang (Research Fellow, Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica), Dr. Peter Hsieh (Principal, Pan Pacific Technology Consulting), Hsu Mao-Jung (Vice President, Industrial Technology Research Institute), Academician Jien-Wei Yeh (National Taiwan University), and Professor Young Ku (TAISE Executive Director).

Panelists agreed that although Taiwan is limited in land resources, it possesses a comprehensive tech industry chain and highly skilled workforce. With effective policy tools and academia-industry collaboration, Taiwan has a chance to gain a competitive edge in the global green energy race. Moreover, advancing nuclear fusion technology is not just an energy issue—it also involves national security and industrial competitiveness. If Taiwan can integrate fusion-related courses, strengthen international technical cooperation, and cultivate interdisciplinary talent with backgrounds in engineering, physics, and materials science, it could become a key hub for nuclear fusion development in the Asia-Pacific region.

This forum provided a valuable platform for in-depth exchange between industry and academia, offering new perspectives and solutions for Taiwan's net-zero transformation. Alpha Ring stated that it will continue promoting the research and application of nuclear fusion technology, actively expand international dialogue and cooperation, and help position Taiwan prominently on the global new energy map.

The forum attracted nearly 300 attendees, who gathered for in-depth discussion and exchange on-site.