Taiwan is exploring the possibility of reactivating the Maanshan nuclear power plant, which is the last operational reactor on the island, by 2028. This decision is in response to growing energy security concerns resulting from potential supply disruptions. The announcement was made by Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin during a legislative hearing, emphasizing the urgency in assessing the plant's capabilities in the context of current geopolitical tensions.

The state-owned Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) is set to present a detailed plan to restart electricity generation at the Maanshan plant, located in Pingtung County, following a comprehensive safety review of its facilities. Minister Kung noted that collaboration with the American company Westinghouse has been initiated to inspect the operational status of the plant's generators. If the evaluations show that the equipment is in good condition and does not require significant replacements, the process for reopening the facility might be expedited.

The potential reopening of the Maanshan nuclear power plant comes as a strategic move amid increasing apprehensions about Taiwan's energy supply vulnerabilities. As the region faces mounting energy security challenges, the Taiwanese government aims to bolster its energy independence and mitigate risks associated with reliance on external sources. This initiative marks a significant shift in Taiwan's energy policy, reflecting both domestic and international pressures to ensure a resilient energy framework.