Taipei: The first forum to discuss the upcoming referendum on the relaunch of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung County was held Thursday, with attendees presenting arguments both for and against the proposal. The referendum, scheduled for August 23, will ask voters if they agree that “the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operations upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns.”
According to Focus Taiwan, Yeh Tsung-kuang, director of National Tsing Hua University’s College of Nuclear Science, advocated for the plant’s relaunch, citing Taiwan’s “power shortage issue.” He pointed out that old coal-burning units remain operational and that Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) continues to purchase costly renewable energy while operating at a financial loss. Yeh highlighted that wind and solar power cost NT$6.5 (US$0.22) and NT$4.8 per kilowatt hour, respectively, compared to nuclear power’s NT$1.5 per kWh.
The Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant could reduce costs and decrease southern Taiwan’s reliance on central Taiwan for energy supplies, Yeh argued. Stressing the importance of energy security, he noted Taiwan’s heavy dependence on imported energy. Yeh also referenced former U.S. Naval Intelligence Commander Mike Studeman, who has expressed similar views, suggesting that Taiwan maintain at least one nuclear power plant.
Yeh emphasized Taiwan’s current energy reserves, which include 36 days’ worth of coal, 7 to 11 days of natural gas, and 18-36 months of nuclear fuel. He warned of Taiwan’s energy vulnerabilities, especially in a cross-strait conflict, where a nuclear power plant could sustain power needs until U.S. forces arrive. Yeh drew parallels with Ukraine, which relies on nuclear power for 70 percent of its energy during the ongoing war with Russia, noting nuclear plants are rarely targeted due to their potential global impact.
Addressing safety concerns, Yeh dismissed earthquake risks, stating Taiwan’s nuclear plants have operated for over 40 years without quake-related incidents. He compared the Fukushima disaster to Taiwan’s situation, highlighting Taiwan’s above-ground emergency generators and a 19-meter-high tsunami barrier, while the highest estimated tsunami in the area is 10 meters.
In response, Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng expressed concerns about safety and the referendum process. He emphasized the need for proper procedures, including safety inspections and equipment upgrades, before making a decision. Tseng called for transparent safety checks reviewed by relevant authorities and clear communication of any risks to the public.
Tseng mentioned amendments to the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act, allowing for license renewals post-expiration, but stated that implementation rules must define safety inspection procedures. He assured that Taipower would launch self-check procedures once the rules are established. Additionally, he urged legislation on high-level radioactive waste disposal.
Criticizing the portrayal of a relaunch as low-cost and simple, Tseng stressed the pressure on Taipower from losing the 6 percent of power generated by the nuclear plant. He noted that Taiwan’s reserve margin fell below 6 percent for over 100 days in 2016 and 2017, even with both Kuosheng and Maanshan plants operational. However, in the last three years, the margin rarely dipped below 6 percent.
Tseng highlighted a 70 percent reduction in emissions from Taipower’s thermal reactors since 2016 and explained that decommissioned coal plants remain for national safety and emergency backup, producing less than 1 percent of energy annually. He projected regional energy balance by 2026 with new reactors in Kaohsiung’s Hsinta Power Plant, reducing reliance on central Taiwan.
The forum was the first of five, broadcast live on television at 3 p.m. Thursday, with the next session scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m.