Taiwan Referendum to Restart Nuclear Power Plant Fails

Bloomberg · last updated August 23, 2025 – 4:18 PM

A referendum to restart a Taiwan nuclear plant failed due to poor voter turnout, dealing a blow to attempts by some groups to revive atomic power after the government shut all reactors.

President Lai Ching-te said the referendum on Saturday failed after fewer than 25% of eligible voters voted in favor of restarting the Maanshan nuclear plant. At a briefing on Saturday evening, Lai acknowledged the expectations of Taiwanese residents for power stability.

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