Abstract
This article reviews the current debate in Taiwan over the future of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix. Rather than debate a pro- or anti-nuclear stance, the authors develop the argument that Taiwan has more to gain in promoting renewable energy industries than in sticking with the nuclear option, both in terms of energy security and of building export platforms for tomorrow. Taiwan is justifiably proud of its achievement in building three ‘pillar industries’ in semiconductors, flat panel displays and PCs. Now it should be getting ready to add a fourth pillar industry, of comparable success – concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, solar PV, wind power, and wider renewable energy sources industry – utilizing all the institutional and entrepreneurial strategies perfected in Taiwan’s earlier development.