Taiwan chip group backs review of possible nuclear power restart

The Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA) has backed the government’s effort to assess whether the country’s nuclear power plants could restart, saying dependable electricity is important to the chip industry.

Support tied to safety and regulation

TSIA Chairman Cliff Hou said at the association’s annual convention that its board had agreed to formally support an evaluation of nuclear restarts. He said any process must comply with regulations and meet safety requirements.

“A stable and sufficient electricity supply is crucial to the semiconductor industry,” Hou said, according to Reuters. Hou is also a senior vice president at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

TSIA members include TSMC, United Microelectronics Corp, Vanguard International Semiconductor and PSMC.

Broader energy-policy reassessment

President Lai Ching-te has said Taiwan should not exclude any energy source on ideological grounds, while making any nuclear restart conditional on safety, nuclear-waste management and public consensus. In March, an official Taiwan government outlet reported that Lai said a nuclear review could proceed alongside continued investment in renewable energy.

Taiwan’s last operating nuclear plant, Maanshan, stopped generating power in May 2025. Taiwan Power Co. later submitted a licence-renewal and restart plan for the plant to the Nuclear Safety Council. The council’s review and further safety inspections would still be required before any return to operation.

Sources: Reuters; World Nuclear News; Taiwan OCAC News.