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Nov 1, 15:25
South Korea rides the nuclear wave to boost exports and domestic energy resilience
South Korea, one of the world's most nuclear-reliant nations, has seen nuclear power generation reach historic highs for two consecutive years. Under President Yoon Suk-yeol's administration, the nation has leaned into nuclear energy, driven by surging global energy costs and mounting pressure to achieve carbon neutrality. This shift positions nuclear energy as a critical component of South Korea's power mix, with plans to boost nuclear power exports and foster a skilled workforce to support the industry.
Despite repeated assurances from authorities that Taiwan won't face power shortages, concerns about energy supply continue to loom over the island's industrial development. Bruce Cheng, the founder of Delta Electronics, was direct in his view: the ongoing worry about insufficient power underscores a need for nuclear energy, which he believes is the most economical and safest option. Further delays, he warned, could see foreign companies lose enthusiasm for doing business in Taiwan.
Google's recent nuclear energy procurement in the US has sparked interest, especially after CEO Sundar Pichai discussed nuclear power during his visit to Japan, fueling speculation that the company's nuclear ambitions could extend to the Asia-Pacific. A senior Google energy executive said the company continues to drive a variety of energy initiatives in the region, including solar and biomass projects, all part of long-term plans.
Innolux has gained attention for entering fan-out panel-level packaging (FOPLP). The Ministry of Environment recently commended the company for its resource recycling efforts, highlighting its extraction of pure copper from waste solutions and recovery of phosphorus from wastewater. These sustainable initiatives boost resource efficiency, advance green manufacturing, and align with the company’s ESG-driven goals.
The industry's trio of cloud service providers (CSPs) are actively embracing nuclear energy with unprecedented enthusiasm, signaling a major shift in the global energy landscape. As the AI race intensifies, massive investments from companies are flooding into infrastructure projects worldwide, driving a surge in demand for carbon-free energy (CFE). The global response to this transformation will significantly shape the future energy landscape.
Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) Chairman Polin Chen has outlined three primary growth drivers for the company: increasing global demand for vessels, a major submarine cable project with Chunghwa Telecom, and the addition of two new large vessels by the end of 2026. Chen expects revenue to remain stable in 2025, with Chunghwa's project entering its peak construction phase in 2025-2026, driving further growth.
Song Chuan Precision, Taiwan's largest relay manufacturer, is capitalizing on the growing demand for EVs, solar energy, and energy storage. These sectors now account for 56% of the company's revenue, positioning them as key growth drivers. The company emphasized that the company's shift from traditional relay production to developing advanced solutions for EVs and renewable energy has been a major evolution over the past 20 years.
Taiwan has started drilling its first deep geothermal exploration well in Yilan, in collaboration with Academia Sinica and CPC Corp. The well is expected to reach over 4 kilometers deep and will take about 18 months to complete. Its purpose is to provide a stable green energy source for data centers.
China's solar industry has reached a consensus to curb domestic price wars by setting a price floor for solar modules. China Photovoltaic Industry Association announced a minimum bidding cost of CNY 0.68 per watt (W). Bids below this threshold will be considered illegal.
TCL Zhonghuan, a leading Chinese manufacturer of solar silicon wafers, has reportedly reduced its factory utilization rates, sharply cutting the working hours for its workers, according to industry sources.
Taiwanese textile manufacturers are rapidly transforming and diversifying their operations, with key players such as Far Eastern New Century Corporation (FENC) and Shinkong Synthetic Fibers Corporation (SSFC) increasingly venturing into automotive components and electric vehicle (EV) sectors.
China is rapidly expanding its nuclear energy sector, with nuclear power currently accounting for only about 5% of its electricity generation compared to nearly 70% from coal. Despite this low percentage, China now leads the world in new nuclear projects, both operational and under construction.