Taipei:Taiwan needs to translate political support for advanced nuclear energy into concrete targets and investment rules to enable its development, an energy law scholar said Tuesday. Government statements remain largely qualitative, without clear implementation pathways, while incentives for private investors and responsibility for radioactive waste remain insufficiently addressed, said Gao Ming-zhi, a professor at National Tsing Hua University's (NTHU) Institute of Law for Science and Technology.
According to Focus Taiwan, Gao made these remarks at the International Forum on Global Development of SMRs and MMRs in Taipei. He recommended that measurable deployment targets, broader government involvement, and clearer arrangements for financing and waste management be considered in the future. Gao emphasized that the issue is more complex than a simple yes or no to nuclear energy.
Gao argued that small modular reactors (SMRs) and micro modular reactors (MMRs) should be incorporated into Taiwan's overall energy transition policy rather than being confined to nuclear research programs. With numerous reactor designs under development internationally, he suggested that Taiwan should focus its limited research resources on select technologies.
Drawing from his research into offshore wind development, Gao noted that quantitative targets could provide investors with greater certainty. His presentation outlined potential indicators, including the number of demonstration projects, installed capacity, and dates for initial electricity generation.
Gao also advocated for the establishment of rules to facilitate private-sector participation, instead of relying solely on the state-run Taiwan Power Co. as the developer and operator. He called for the Ministry of Economic Affairs to take a more active role in advanced nuclear development alongside science and nuclear regulatory authorities, reflecting the technology's potential industrial and energy applications.
Private participation would necessitate a shift from a system centered on Taipower, with long-term power purchase agreements from high-tech and other companies providing investment incentives. Gao highlighted that responsibility for radioactive waste and spent fuel would be a significant consideration for prospective developers, suggesting a model in which operators contribute to a government-managed system for waste management.
He acknowledged that permitting high-tech companies to purchase SMR-generated electricity directly could pose a dilemma. While this could weaken demand for higher-cost renewable electricity, particularly offshore wind, restricting purchases could limit access to competitive low-carbon power, affecting high-tech companies' supply-chain requirements.
The forum was jointly organized by NTHU's College of Nuclear Science, the Chung-Hwa Nuclear Society, and the Taiwan Nuclear Grade Industry Association.
