00:00Taiwan's nuclear power plants may get a new lease on life, as opposition lawmakers debate
00:08extending operations of the country's last working reactor, and perhaps reopening closed
00:13ones.
00:14In order to adapt to the changing international environment and improve our country's energy
00:19security, the law is to suspend the installation of nuclear power plants. Once the nuclear peace
00:24conference confirms its safety, it can apply for a new license.
00:30That last reactor is set to shut down in under two months, as the ruling Democratic Progressive
00:35Party sticks to its pledge for a nuclear-free Taiwan by 2025. Outside the legislature, protesters
00:43say, nuclear power still isn't safe.
00:46It's clear that the three old nuclear power plants are close to being shut down.
00:55If no one wants these nuclear resources, you keep increasing them.
01:01Who will be responsible for the next generation?
01:03The debate comes just days after the National Electric Utility, Taipower, announced it
01:09would not raise prices, despite years of losses totaling more than 12 billion U.S. dollars.
01:15Those are in large part because of a spike in fossil fuel prices. Around 80% of Taiwan's
01:21electricity still comes from imported fossil fuels, as a reduction in coal and nuclear
01:26power has been offset by an increase in natural gas use.
01:31Some say more nuclear power could solve two problems.
01:34One kilowatt hour only needs 1.1 new Taiwan dollar per kilowatt hour.
01:43Gas-fired power plant is more than 3.4.
01:47If nuclear is allowed to provide electricity to the grid, that is not only useful, but
01:55also helpful to improve Taipower's financial situation.
02:02Others are more skeptical.
02:22The ruling Democratic Progressive Party says it's open to rethinking nuclear power.
02:27But with the last reactor still set to shut down, time is running out to decide.
02:32Fu Huahong and Chris Gorin for Taiwan Plus.
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