December 15, 2025
Nukes, chips, and drama—oh my!
Taiwan May Restart Nuclear Power Plant in 2028, Minister Says
Taiwan’s nuclear reboot? Comments pit chip power against China worries
TLDR: Taiwan may restart its Maanshan nuclear plant in 2028 to meet surging power needs. Commenters split between energy pragmatism and geopolitical worry, joking about plutonium and warning about blockades, highlighting why reliable electricity amid regional tension makes this a high-stakes move.
Taiwan just teased a nuclear comeback: the Maanshan plant could restart in 2028 if safety checks pass, and plans for two plants are due by March, per Bloomberg. Cue the comments section going nuclear in spirit. The hottest split? Power for chips vs prep for conflict.
NoMoreNicksLeft drops a weaponized eyebrow raise—plutonium, anyone? Others go full doomscroll: byyoung3 shrugs, “that is if China hasn’t invaded.” Lio counters with a calmer take: it’s about withstanding a blockade, not building bombs. The pragmatic camp cheers: AI data centers and world-class chip factories need clean, steady power; imported oil and gas are a dice roll. One nostalgic voice wishes reactors were never shut down.
There’s political drama too. Commenters point out the ruling DPP’s long anti-nuclear history, born from 1980s authoritarian baggage and post-Fukushima fear. Now, the vibe has shifted: lawmakers opened the door to license extensions, and a referendum saw about three-quarters of voters favor reopening—though turnout flopped.
Memes and zingers flew: “AI ate my electrons,” “atoms > imports,” and “press F to restart Maanshan.” Between jokes, a real anxiety pulses: can Taiwan keep the lights on and deter pressure without inviting risk? The crowd’s mood leans pro-restart—if safety reviews are ironclad.
Key Points
- •Taiwan may restart the Maanshan nuclear plant in 2028 pending successful safety reviews and robust recommissioning plans.
- •The government plans to draft proposals to restart two nuclear plants; operator Taiwan Power Co. is to submit plans by March next year.
- •Taiwan phased out nuclear power in 2016 and closed its last plant, Maanshan, in May this year.
- •Rising electricity demand from AI and global decarbonization trends are factors behind reconsidering nuclear power.
- •About three-quarters of voters supported reopening Maanshan in an August referendum (invalidated for low turnout), and lawmakers revised a bill to allow license extensions.