Taiwan: legislators debate extending life of last nuclear power reactor

Taiwanese legislators debated extending the service life of the nation’s last remaining nuclear power reactor. The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) has proposed an extension over the 40-year limit for operating nuclear power plants through amendments to the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act. KMT Legislator Ko Ju-chun remarked that the act has never been updated since its promulgation in 2003. He added that many nuclear facilities operate beyond 40 years and still meet safety standards. However, Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Lin I-chin observed that nuclear power makes up only 3% of Taiwan’s current energy mix and that President William Lai has made the development of renewable energy sources a priority of his administration. He also accused the KMT of ignoring the risks posed to nuclear power facilities by earthquakes and China’s military drills near the island.
Taiwan’s only operational reactor is the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung County, which is scheduled to be decommissioned next month when it reaches the end of its 40-year lifespan. During the debate, Nuclear Safety Commission Chairman Chen Min-jen said the main obstacle to extending Ma-anshan’s reactor life is the lack of a clear political decision on the storage and treatment of nuclear waste. The commission has only a supervisory role on the matter, and all political and social parties must reach a consensus on how to handle radioactive waste materials. According to Chen, once this consensus is reached the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Taiwan Power Co can extend operating licenses or authorize the construction of new plants.