Taiwan has approved a preliminary plan to restart an idled nuclear power plant, marking a reversal of the ruling party’s anti-nuclear stance as the island pursues greater energy security.

The Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) has cleared its review of an initial proposal to restart the Maanshan nuclear power plant, it said in a statement.

The NSC said plant owner and operator Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) will still need to carry out work including safety inspections, before submitting another report on implementation for review, the commission said.

The earliest the plant could resume operations is 2028, according to previous reports in local media, citing economic minister Kung Ming-hsin.