KMT Proposes Year-End Referendum to Scrap Nuclear-Free Homeland, Shaking Up Energy and Local Elections

The Kuomintang (KMT) recently and officially proposed holding a referendum to abolish the "nuclear-free homeland" policy, which will be combined with the upcoming year-end local elections. This move is not only a direct challenge to current nuclear energy policies but also a repositioning of Taiwan's energy future. If approved, the referendum would compel the Executive Yuan to reassess the role of nuclear power in Taiwan's energy mix and could potentially impact the landscape of the upcoming local elections. Politically, this initiative is more than a debate on energy issues; it is a deep-seated dialogue both within and outside the party regarding energy security and environmental responsibility.

The concept of a nuclear-free homeland was first introduced during Taiwan's national referendum in 2016, when citizens voted to halt the construction of new nuclear power plants and gradually phase out existing nuclear facilities. This policy was officially implemented in 2020 and, driven by the Bureau of Energy under the Executive Yuan, reduced nuclear energy's share of Taiwan's electricity supply from nearly 30 percent to about 10 percent. However, amid fluctuating global energy prices and rising concerns over climate change, the flexibility and supply security of Taiwan's energy mix have become focal points of public attention. Although Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) has currently compensated for the reduction in nuclear energy through renewable sources and natural gas-fired generation, some energy experts still worry that the power system may remain vulnerable during extreme weather or prolonged peak electricity demand.

The KMT's proposal for a referendum to abolish the nuclear-free homeland is primarily based on three considerations. First, voters in certain constituencies still harbor doubts regarding nuclear safety, believing that current policies have failed to completely eliminate risks. Second, energy experts both within and outside the party argue that nuclear power can serve as a low-carbon energy source to help Taiwan move toward carbon neutrality. Third, incorporating this issue into the year-end local elections can raise awareness of energy issues both within and outside the party while helping secure support for the party in the elections. The KMT's stance demonstrates that energy policy is not merely a technical and economic issue, but also an arena for political competition.

Meanwhile, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo stated at a press conference today that Taiwan has already achieved the goal of a "nuclear-free homeland" and that current power supplies are stable and secure. She pointed out that, nevertheless, President Lai Ching-te has not ruled out any energy options, emphasizing that restarting nuclear power must meet three major conditions: first, safety without doubt; second, a viable solution for nuclear waste disposal; and third, a broad societal consensus. These three conditions represent not only technical and environmental requirements, but also a test of socio-political consensus. The Lai administration has already convened multiple expert forums within the Energy Agency and invited civil society groups to participate in discussions, striving to build a broad consensus before formulating policies.

If the referendum results support the abolition of the nuclear-free homeland, the Executive Yuan will face the challenge of how to re-evaluate the role of nuclear power while ensuring energy security. This involves not only the technological upgrades and safety inspections of nuclear power plants, but also national strategies for the long-term storage and disposal of nuclear waste. On the other hand, if the referendum rejects the proposal, Taiwan will continue along its current energy path and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy. Regardless of the outcome, changes to energy policy will have a profound impact on Taiwan's international image, investment environment, and environmental protection goals. Politically, this may also become a critical issue in the upcoming local elections, influencing voters' evaluations of both the ruling and opposition parties.

Overall, the referendum on the nuclear-free homeland proposed by the KMT is not only a challenge to current energy policies, but also a deep-seated discussion on Taiwan's future energy path. The Executive Yuan and the Presidential Office have stated that any restart of nuclear power must proceed under the three conditions of safety, waste disposal, and societal consensus. As the year-end local elections approach, energy issues will become a focal point for voters and may exert a long-term impact on Taiwan's energy security and environmental responsibility.