Group 1 - The Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) nuclear-free policy has led to severe electricity supply shortages in Taiwan, prompting the reactivation of retired coal-fired power plants [1][2] - The Kaohsiung Hsingta Power Plant's coal units have been restarted, raising concerns about pollution and the overall stability of the power supply as Taiwan approaches peak electricity demand in summer [2][3] - Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) has reported significant financial losses, with accumulated losses exceeding NT$420 billion, indicating a potential need for government subsidies to maintain operations [2][3] Group 2 - The exit of Danish Vestas Group from Taiwan's offshore wind market poses a significant setback for the local wind energy industry, as it was the sole manufacturer of wind turbine blades in Taiwan [3] - The shift to thermal power generation has resulted in a dramatic increase in carbon emissions, with additional annual emissions reaching several million tons, raising health concerns related to air pollution [3] - The DPP's nuclear phase-out has led to thermal power generation accounting for over 92% of electricity production, exacerbating air quality issues and public dissatisfaction [3]

Group 1 - Taiwan's third nuclear power plant (Nuclear Plant No. 3) Unit 2 officially ceased operations on May 17, marking the end of the nuclear power era in Taiwan [1] - Following the shutdown, Taiwan's peak reserve capacity rate dropped below 10%, reaching 9.55%, raising concerns about electricity supply stability [1] - The Nuclear Plant No. 3 Unit 2 had an installed capacity of 951 MW, contributing approximately 3% to Taiwan's total power generation capacity, with a cumulative output of 274.16 billion kWh over 40 years [1] Group 2 - The cost of renewable energy purchases in Taiwan was reported at NT$5.80 per kWh, while natural gas generation cost NT$3.01 per kWh, and nuclear energy cost only NT$1.76 per kWh, indicating a potential increase in electricity costs due to the replacement of low-cost nuclear power with higher-cost alternatives [2] - Average electricity prices in Taiwan have seen significant increases, with an approximate 11% rise in the first half of last year, and industrial electricity prices increasing by up to 25% [2] - The Taiwanese government plans to rely on renewable energy sources and natural gas to replace nuclear power, but the variability of renewable energy generation poses challenges in meeting base load power demands [2] Group 3 - To alleviate electricity supply pressure, Taiwan Power Company plans to deploy nearly 5,000 MW of gas-fired units this year, although the construction progress of these units is not optimistic [3] - There are concerns that if reserve capacity falls below safe levels, Taiwan Power Company may have to implement rolling blackouts to ensure grid stability [3] - The push for a "nuclear-free homeland" policy by the Taiwanese government may lead to a dual crisis of electricity shortages and soaring prices if energy policies are not adjusted [3]

Core Viewpoint - The decommissioning of the No. 2 reactor at Taiwan's Third Nuclear Power Plant on May 17 marks the end of Taiwan's 47-year history with nuclear energy, transitioning into a "nuclear-free homeland" era starting May 18. This shift raises concerns about potential electricity shortages and rising electricity prices in Taiwan [1]. Group 1 - The No. 2 reactor at Taiwan's Third Nuclear Power Plant is the last operational nuclear unit in the region [1]. - The transition to a "nuclear-free homeland" is seen as a significant change in Taiwan's energy policy [1]. - There are widespread concerns among the public regarding the implications of this transition, particularly regarding electricity supply and pricing [1].

Core Viewpoint - Taiwan's third nuclear power plant has officially ceased operations, raising concerns about potential electricity shortages and rising electricity prices as the island transitions to a "nuclear-free homeland" [1][2]. Group 1: Energy Transition and Costs - The Taiwanese government plans to replace nuclear energy with renewable sources such as solar and wind power, as well as natural gas [1]. - The cost of renewable energy purchased by Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) in January and February was NT$5.81 per kilowatt-hour, while natural gas power cost NT$3 per kilowatt-hour, compared to nuclear energy at NT$1.87 per kilowatt-hour [1]. - The transition to higher-cost electricity sources is expected to increase Taipower's generation costs in the second half of the year, impacting electricity prices significantly [1]. Group 2: Reliability and Supply Concerns - The shutdown of the nuclear power plant has reduced the backup capacity rate by approximately 3%, raising fears of emergency power shortages during peak demand periods [2]. - Last year, there were 119 days when electricity reserves fell below 10%, indicating a precarious supply situation [2]. - The introduction of nearly 5 million kilowatts of large gas turbine units is planned, but their implementation timeline remains uncertain [2]. Group 3: Environmental and Health Implications - Post-nuclear phase-out, thermal power generation is expected to meet 84% of Taiwan's electricity demand, potentially leading to increased air pollution and health risks [3]. - The latest pollution source emissions report indicates that thermal power generation contributes significantly to PM2.5 and other harmful emissions, which can lead to respiratory issues [3]. Group 4: Public Sentiment and Criticism - Public sentiment on social media reflects dissatisfaction with the "nuclear-free homeland" policy, with some expressing concerns that it leads to higher carbon emissions and energy security issues [4]. - The prevailing view is that the transition has created a complex situation involving electricity pricing, carbon emissions, supply stability, and energy security challenges for Taiwan [4].

Group 1 - The DPP administration under Lai Ching-te has heightened cross-strait tensions and undermined peace in the Taiwan Strait, being labeled as a "peace destroyer" and "crisis creator" [1] - Lai's refusal to acknowledge the "1992 Consensus" and his promotion of "Taiwan independence" narratives have led to increased division and hostility, impacting cross-strait exchanges [1] - The DPP's energy policy, particularly the push for a "nuclear-free homeland," has resulted in frequent power outages and rising electricity prices, with a reported five price increases in four years, totaling nearly a 50% increase [2] Group 2 - Recent large-scale power outages in Taiwan, including 35 incidents in April 2024 alone, have raised public concern over the DPP's energy policies [2] - The DPP's economic policies are criticized for neglecting public welfare and failing to address structural economic challenges, which could be alleviated through enhanced cross-strait economic cooperation [2] - The DPP administration's actions are seen as detrimental to the interests of Taiwanese businesses and citizens, leading to widespread dissatisfaction [2]

Group 1 - The core issue raised is the increasing frequency of power outages in Taiwan, particularly in Kaohsiung and Tainan, leading to public concern over potential electricity shortages following the government's push for a "nuclear-free" energy policy [1] - The spokesperson highlighted that Taiwan has experienced multiple large-scale power outages, including the "three major blackouts" affecting thousands, with 35 outages reported in Taoyuan in April 2024 alone [1] - Despite these outages, electricity prices in Taiwan have risen five times over four years, with an increase of nearly 50%, causing significant distress to both the industrial sector and the general public [1] Group 2 - The root cause of these issues is attributed to the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) disregard for economic principles and the welfare of the populace, lacking both the willingness and capability to address economic and livelihood challenges [1] - The spokesperson suggested that structural economic problems in Taiwan could be resolved through expanded cross-strait economic cooperation and deeper integration [1] - The company maintains a positive stance on cross-strait electricity cooperation [1]