The Institute of Nuclear Energy Research(INER) is a national laboratory whose goal is to gain an international reputation as a major research organization for the development of nuclear energy, new and renewable energy, radiopharmaceuticals, and related technologies. In addition to the development of science and technology, INER also develops relevant systems with systems integration as a specialty. 

Specific areas under nuclear energy development are nuclear safety technologies, radioactive waste processing and treatment, advanced nuclear energy science and technologies, and nuclear technology industrialization. In the area of new and renewable energy, our studies focus on High Concentration Photovoltaics (HCPV) technology, wind power, cellulosic ethanol, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC),intelligent electric power network (Smart Grid), integrated gasification combined cycle and carbon capture storage (IGCC&CSS), energy policy assessment on the MARKAL-Macro energy models. For preserving the environment, INER works to improve current environmental plasma technology. Finally, in the area of radiopharmaceuticals, INER works on research and design in nuclear medical instrumentation and irradiation therapy technology for both diagnosis and treatment.

Presently, much interest, both domestically and internationally, is focused on the reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide as a way of reducing greenhouse gasses. The “Sustainable Energy Policy Summary” passed at the 5th June, 2008, meeting of the Executive Yuan promotes the diversification of energy resources. The summary states that nuclear power plants should be considered as an alternative method to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. Subsequently, in the “Energy Security Strategy Report” published on 28th August, 2008, by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, strategies were proposed for ensuring the safe operation of Taiwan’s Nuclear Power Plant No.4, for increasing the efficiency of existing nuclear power plant, and for the safe treatment of nuclear waste.