Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a focal point in global strategic competition. For example, US President Donald Trump’s second term began with the launch of the US$500 billion Stargate AI initiative aimed at securing US dominance in the field. In response, China accelerated its DeepSeek project, while Europe is also racing to develop competitive AI models.
Discussions surrounding AI advancements often center on computational power, efficiency and potential military applications. However, a less discussed yet critical challenge posed by AI is its soaring energy demand. Queries in advanced AI models like ChatGPT consume nearly 10 times more energy than a standard Google search.
As AI progresses, the need for massive data centers would grow exponentially, requiring an unprecedented amount of energy to fuel advanced computers.
The US under Trump’s leadership is expected to adopt a transactional and inward-looking approach to energy, showing little interest in multilateral climate action while focusing on outpacing China in AI development and many other fields.
Other nations are also taking proactive steps to secure their energy future.
Japan has reversed its post-Fukushima nuclear phase-out, targeting a 20 percent share of nuclear energy in its total electricity mix by 2040. This shift is driven not just by energy security concerns, but also by the increasing power demands of AI and semiconductor industries.
Taiwan faces a unique challenge. As a small island nation, it is highly vulnerable to climate change, making its commitment to global climate goals essential. The nation also plays a critical role in the global high-tech ecosystem, especially in chip manufacturing — a process that demands immense amounts of energy.
To maintain its industry leadership, Taiwan needs to scale up its semiconductor production, which would further increase energy consumption. The intensification of the US-China AI race, ramping up demand for AI products, would solidify Taiwan’s strategic position, but also amplifying its energy dilemma.
However, Taiwan’s renewable energy transition remains slow. Despite former president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) ambitious target of 20 percent renewable energy generation by this year, renewables currently make up just 10 percent of the nation’s energy mix.
Moreover, the government’s “non-nuclear homeland” policy has caused a significant drop in nuclear energy’s share of the national energy mix, with fossil fuels stepping in to fill the gap, undermining efforts to reduce emissions.”
At this critical juncture, nuclear energy stands out as a viable solution to meet rising energy demands while fulfilling climate commitments. Despite Taiwan’s vulnerability to earthquakes, which raises legitimate safety concerns, modern disaster prevention measures could help minimize the associated risks.
Small modular reactors present a safer and more flexible approach to nuclear energy, reducing waste and offering a potential long-term solution for Taiwan’s energy challenges.
Beyond Taiwan, a nuclear revival is taking shape. For example, France, a leader in nuclear energy, is ramping up investments in new-generation reactors.
The UK is reviving its nuclear industry, integrating it with renewables to create a balanced energy portfolio. The US Department of Energy has also signaled support for nuclear innovation, recognizing its role in balancing AI’s power demands with climate commitments.
The AI revolution is here to stay, and its impact on energy consumption is undeniable. A balanced and pragmatic energy strategy is essential for Taiwan.
While renewable energy would continue to expand, it alone might not be sufficient to meet the growing power demands of the AI and semiconductor industries.
With advancements in safety and efficiency, nuclear energy provides a stable and low-carbon option that can bridge the energy gap. By integrating nuclear power into its energy mix alongside renewables, Taiwan could strengthen its energy security, support industrial growth and uphold its climate commitments.
The challenge ahead is not choosing one energy source over another, but finding a science-based, sustainable equilibrium that secures Taiwan’s role in the AI-driven future.
Harun Talha Ayanoglu is a Taiwan Center for Security Studies research associate.
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