Taiwan Mulls Nuclear Revival to Cut Its LNG Exposure

Taiwan is moving toward a nuclear comeback barely a year after shutting its last reactor, as soaring LNG prices and mounting dependence on imported gas force a rethink of its energy strategy. The preparations are already tangible: Taipower has submitted a restart plan for the Maanshan nuclear power station, and regulatory reviews are advancing. But restoring nuclear generation will take years, limiting its ability to ease the immediate supply squeeze. Taiwan may be preparing to reduce its LNG exposure, but it will first have to navigate an expensive…

LNG Market Background

The global LNG market has undergone a structural transformation in recent years, with U.S. exports reshaping trade flows and providing consuming nations with greater supply optionality. European buyers have accelerated long-term LNG contracting following the disruption of Russian pipeline gas supplies.

New LNG liquefaction capacity — from the U.S. Gulf Coast, Qatar's North Field expansion, and Australian projects — is expected to add significant supply volumes through the late 2020s, with implications for long-term contract pricing and spot market dynamics.

What to Watch

Stakeholders will be tracking spot LNG cargo pricing in Asian and European markets, liquefaction plant utilization rates, and upcoming long-term supply contract negotiations as global LNG trade flows continue to evolve.