Taiwan opens door to restart atomic power plants in reversal

Taiwan’s lawmakers have revised a nuclear power bill, effectively restarting plans for its aging atomic plants as the region faces growing energy demands and heightened geopolitical tensions with China. The updated law allows license renewals every 20 years instead of the previous 40-year term, enabling operators to extend operations while addressing concerns over energy security and China’s expanding influence in the area. Taiwan has sought to reduce its reliance on nuclear power but now faces challenges from a burgeoning chipmaking industry and reliance on imported fossil fuels due to global supply constraints.