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Energy
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Nuclear
power plant in Kenting, tip of southern Taiwan
Taiwan is a relatively small island
with limited natural resources so it is forced to import
90% of its energy needs and producing the remaining
10% from hydroelectric power.
Coal, oil and natural gas all
play a role but it’s the island’s nuclear
powerplants that get all the attention. Currently Taiwan
has three reactors. In 1980 a fourth was proposed at
Kungliao, but has since generated nothing but heated
debate. Construction work on the controversial USD$5.6
billion plant has been in fits and starts, slightly
more than half completed.
The plant will cost nearly USD$3 billion
in compensation for the contractors, about USD$400 million
more than completing the plant would cost. Some have
suggested it would be cheaper to complete the plant
and then turn it into an exotic amusement park. Taiwan’s
three currently operating nuclear powerplants are scheduled
for decommissioning some time between 2019 and 2025.
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2003 ESLisland.com |
