The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
Nuclear Power in Taiwan: The Story Behind Saturday’s Radioactive Referendum – S5-E25
Aug 21, 2025
Dive into Taiwan's mesmerizing yet controversial nuclear narrative, from Chiang Kai-shek's ambitions to modern-day debates. Explore the upcoming referendum on the Ma’anshan Nuclear Power Plant, a flashpoint for divided opinions on energy policy. Discover the challenges of nuclear waste management and the lingering impacts of disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima. Uncover the delicate balance between community safety and energy needs, and ponder whether such pivotal decisions should rest in the hands of voters or experts. Taiwan's nuclear future hangs in the balance!
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Kenting's Nuclear Beachfront
- Maanshan's two reactor domes loom over Kenting's beaches, visible from Nanwan and South Bay.
- The pair were commissioned in 1984–85 and were the last active reactors before phased closure in 2024–2025.
Referendum Timing And Legal Limits
- A referendum on Maanshan's operation was scheduled for Aug 23, 2025, asking voters to approve continued operation if deemed safe.
- Eryk warns they must avoid detailed campaigning ten days before the vote due to Taiwanese law.
Politics, Parties And Local Incentives
- Political alignment predicts referendum attitudes: KMT and TPP supporters lean pro-reactivation while green parties lean against it.
- Financial incentives like neighborhood funds target local voters, raising concerns about influence.