TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Pegatron Group (和碩) Chairman Tung Tzu-hsien (童子賢), also serving as the deputy convener of the National Climate Change Response Committee (氣候變遷委員會), emphasized the public's energy needs and perceptions of nuclear power on Friday (July 12).
During a Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce (工商協進會) event earlier that day, Tung claimed that describing him as "pro-nuclear" is inaccurate. Viewing nuclear energy as a tool rather than believing it should be fully supported or opposed, he expressed willingness to follow public sentiment if people emotionally reject nuclear energy.
Over the past 40 years, nuclear power has significantly contributed to Taiwan's stable electricity supply and lower prices, Tung noted. However, policies in the past eight years have leaned towards phasing out nuclear power, with regulations and the Basic Environment Act (環境基本法) adopting a suppressive stance.
Tung suggested that nuclear power plants should undergo evaluations using purely scientific and professional processes, minimizing other judgments. He praised Taiwan's nuclear power plants for their low costs, exemplary safety records over 40 years, and high rankings in international safety assessments, attributing this success to effective management by Taiwan Power Company (台電).
Regarding former Academia Sinica (中研院) President Lee Yuan-tseh (李遠哲) becoming an advisor to the climate committee and supporting nuclear energy, Tung mentioned they hadn't discussed matters for 3-4 years. He believes Lee's stance comes from genuine conviction.
Tung also advocated for the continued development of green energy, stressing the need for meticulous planning to prevent environmental impacts. He cited offshore wind farms in intertidal zones as potentially disruptive to marine life and coral reefs.
Tung proposed an ideal energy mix for Taiwan, comprising 30% nuclear power, 40% thermal power, and a portion of green energy for adjustment. He warned that eliminating nuclear power would lead to increased coal burning and higher natural gas usage, which is more expensive.
