AI Electricity Demand Projected to Triple by 2028, Driving Nvidia CEO's Call for Taiwan Nuclear Power Reassessment

Taipei, Taiwan – Jensen Huang, CEO of chip giant Nvidia, has publicly urged Taiwan to reconsider its stance on nuclear power, emphasizing its critical role in meeting the escalating energy demands of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Huang's remarks come just days before a nationwide referendum slated to decide the future of the island's nuclear energy program. According to a tweet by Mark Nelson, Huang held an "impromptu press conference, urging Taiwan to rethink its recent shutdown of its crucial nuclear plants."

Nvidia's push for nuclear energy is directly linked to the burgeoning power requirements of AI development and manufacturing. Nvidia and Foxconn have announced plans to establish an AI factory in Taiwan, with more such energy-intensive facilities anticipated. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that global electricity demand from AI and data centers could triple by 2028, placing significant strain on energy grids, particularly in key tech manufacturing hubs like Taiwan.

Taiwan recently closed its last nuclear power plant in May 2025, continuing a decades-long phase-out of atomic energy. This policy is now being scrutinized as the island prepares for a referendum that could potentially lead to the restart of one of its shuttered nuclear reactors. This local development contrasts with a growing global trend where many countries are re-evaluating and turning back to nuclear power to address energy security and decarbonization goals.

The debate is particularly urgent given Taiwan's inherent energy vulnerabilities. The island faces existing power shortages and relies almost entirely on imported fossil fuels for its electricity generation, making it susceptible to blackouts and potential blockades. Political parties in Taiwan are divided on the issue, with some advocating for nuclear power as a vital component of energy security, while others maintain an anti-nuclear stance rooted in safety and waste management concerns.

Huang, whose company is at the forefront of the AI revolution, stated that "Nuclear is an excellent option," and expressed hope that "every form of energy will be explored" to support the sustainable growth of the AI industry. The outcome of the upcoming referendum will be pivotal in determining Taiwan's energy trajectory and its capacity to sustain its leading position in the global technology landscape.