Story perspectives

Nvidia's CEO Backs Nuclear Power Amid Taiwan's Energy Crisis

8/24/2025

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Summary

Huang Advocates Nuclear

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang supports nuclear power to meet Taiwan's increasing electricity demand from AI manufacturing.
Taiwan plans a referendum on restarting a nuclear reactor after closing its last plant in May 2025.
The discussion is fueled by global trends promoting nuclear energy for decarbonization, opposing Taiwan's historical resistance.

Summary

Lai Considers Nuclear

On August 23, 2025, Taiwanese voters rejected a referendum to restart the Maanshan nuclear power plant, with 4.3 million votes in favor but not meeting the threshold.
President Lai Ching-te suggested a possible shift in the Democratic Progressive Party's nuclear energy policy, considering future technology and safety.
Taiwan's energy debate is fueled by reliance on imports and military threats from China, raising energy security concerns.
Nvidia's Jensen Huang stressed the importance of diverse energy sources for Taiwan's AI sector and national resilience.
A power outage during voting exposed infrastructure vulnerabilities amid discussions on energy independence and nuclear power.

History

Historical Context

Taiwan's Nuclear Reactor Safety Regulation, enacted in 1986 after the Chernobyl disaster, marked a significant shift in energy policy. By May 2025, the last nuclear plant, Maanshan, closed amid rising electricity demands and public safety concerns. The rejection of a recent referendum to restart the plant underscores ongoing tensions between energy security and safety, especially in light of China's military threats.

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Huang Advocates Nuclear

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang supports nuclear power to meet Taiwan's increasing electricity demand from AI manufacturing.
Taiwan plans a referendum on restarting a nuclear reactor after closing its last plant in May 2025.
The discussion is fueled by global trends promoting nuclear energy for decarbonization, opposing Taiwan's historical resistance.

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