Nuclear Reconsideration? Chen Chien-jen: Nuclear Energy Could Be an Option If Three Conditions Are Met; Academia Sinica Open to Collaboration with National Atomic Research Institute and NTHU

With the rise of the AI industry significantly increasing electricity demand, energy issues have once again become a focal point. Academia Sinica President Chen Chien-jen stated on the 20th that, according to Academia Sinica's energy policy recommendations, nuclear energy could be considered as an option if three conditions are met: assured safety, effective nuclear waste management, and broad social consensus. During a legislative session on the same day, Chen appeared before the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee to report on institutional affairs and answer questions. Kuomintang legislator Ge Ru-jun pointed out that when Chen served as Premier, he once praised Germany's 'nuclear phase-out' policy as a model for Taiwan. However, Germany has since publicly expressed regret over its nuclear exit strategy. He questioned whether Taiwan should continue to adhere to an outdated approach. Another Kuomintang legislator, Ko Chih-en, noted that Chen, who has long advocated for a nuclear-free society, should now consider including advanced nuclear technologies in future planning. As the government has restarted nuclear power assessments and research into Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Ko urged Academia Sinica to incorporate new nuclear technologies into its net-zero scientific research agenda and provide more comprehensive energy options from a scientific standpoint. Chen responded that while Academia Sinica's policy recommendations include nuclear energy as a potential option under the three aforementioned conditions, the institution is not currently conducting nuclear-related research. Instead, its energy transition efforts are focused on solar power, geothermal energy, and other renewable sources, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions as soon as possible. However, he expressed willingness to collaborate with research teams at the National Atomic Energy Research Institute and National Tsing Hua University. Additional media coverage from Storm Media includes political and academic critiques: some KMT lawmakers have criticized Chen as 'hypocritical,' referencing his past pledge that this would be his 'last public office.' Other reports cite academic figures like Chen Pei-jhe, who criticized Chen Chien-jen's academic integrity and questioned the future of Academia Sinica under the current administration.