Taiwan’s Nuclear Safety Commission has cleared its review to restart the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant, marking a significant shift in the government’s anti-nuclear stance.
Taiwan is just the latest country to consider bringing nuclear operations back online. Just last week, the Italian Senate gave final approval to its government’s plan to resume nuclear power generation following a 40-year break.
In Taiwan, the plant could restart operations in 2028. Taiwan Power is said to be carrying out follow-up work, including safety inspections, before submitting another report on implementation.
Ma-anshan ceased operations in May 2025, following the expiry of its 40-year operating licence. The restart of this facility reverses a decision made a decade ago to phase out nuclear power generation.
The reversal of nuclear bans comes as the ongoing war in the Middle East is prompting governments around the world to rethink their energy security policies and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
In Taiwan in particular, the government has softened its stance on nuclear power, with lawmakers revising a bill to allow plants to renew or extend their licences.
Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai indicated support for the nuclear industry as well. Taiwan is home to a number of technology companies, particularly chipmakers, that are in search of clean and stable electricity.
The wave of nuclear restarts underscores growing uranium demand, as governments pivot to secure, clean, baseload power and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Explorers and producers will be critical in bridging the supply gap as the nuclear revival accelerates.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Main image: Unsplash
