Taipower chairman promises inspection regardless of result

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Power Company (Taipower, 台電) Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) announced Friday (Aug. 22) that the state utility will conduct safety inspections on the No. 3 nuclear power plant regardless of the referendum outcome. Tseng emphasized on a radio program the importance of disclosing residual risks to allow the public to make informed decisions. The announcement comes ahead of Saturday's crucial vote on nuclear power reactivation.

The referendum scheduled for Saturday will determine public agreement on the continued operation of the No. 3 nuclear power plant, pending safety confirmation from authorities. Tseng underscored that reactivation requires adherence to international standards for equipment upgrades and replacements. He noted that the No. 1 nuclear plant had submitted an extension application but ceased operations without a conclusion, while the No. 2 plant did not submit an extension report.

Tseng expressed concern that the Nuclear Safety Commission's (NSC, 核安會), Taiwan's nuclear regulatory body, approval might face challenges. Should the referendum pass, Taiwan Power Company will initiate inspections and reveal any remaining risks, ensuring the process remains transparent and correct. He mentioned that the No. 1 plant estimated a four-year timeline for reactivation, while internal estimates suggest the No. 3 plant's self-inspections would be completed within two years if all goes smoothly.

Taiwan Power Company secured a construction permit last year for the No. 2 plant's outdoor dry storage facility, with plans to relocate fuel rods from the pool next year. Tseng added that the No. 2 plant's future use depends on completely removing fuel rods, while some No. 1 plant equipment has already been dismantled. The decommissioning process highlights Taiwan's complex nuclear energy transition challenges. ◼