Anti-nuclear Protest in Taipei

Young girl under a sign at a protest against the building of the 4th nuclear power plant in Taiwan.

Sunday March 20th saw upwards of 2000 demonstrators (some reports suggesting 5000) along with a substantial amount of Taiwan photographers and media venture onto the streets of Taipei for an anti-nuclear event. The theme for the day was “Nuclear Free Home” and banners and signs reflected that, with slogans such as “Taiwan No Nukes” and “Nuclear No Clear” prominently displayed. Taiwan currently operates three nuclear power plants with a fourth under construction, due to be completed in 2012. Recent events at Fukushima, Japan have brought the issue of nuclear power in Taiwan back into the spotlight. The three nuclear plants in operation in Taiwan account for approximately 20% of the island’s electricity needs. Proponents of nuclear power claim that it is necessary because Taiwan has no oil or coal reserves and all energy resources must be imported as there’s no way that alternatives such as wind and solar can generate enough energy with technology as it exists now. Opponents to the nuclear plants point to safety issues with the reactors especially as Taiwan is as earthquake-prone as Japan, and the reactors are of a similar type. The government had announced a one year postponement to the start date for operations at the fourth plant back in January over safety concerns, and in the wake of Fukushima, have called for thorough safety inspections at all nuclear sites.
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