Around 4.3 million voted for a nuclear power restart, and 1.5 million against. However, for the yes side to win, 5 million votes were required.
The initiative for the referendum was taken by the opposition. The proponents emphasized the need for a stable energy supply and reduced dependence on energy imports in the event of a blockade from China.
The ruling DPP, which is behind the phasing out of nuclear power, and other critics have pointed to the risks considering the seismic activity in southern Taiwan. They also highlight the lack of a complete solution for final disposal.
Taiwan's president Lai Ching-Te (DPP) interprets the result as the voters expecting "different energy alternatives".
