Taipei: Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has approved an amendment to the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act, allowing nuclear power plant operators to apply for a license renewal of 20 years beyond the existing 40-year limit. This potentially extends a plant’s operating lifespan to 60 years. The amendment was proposed by lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) to revive nuclear power as part of Taiwan’s energy strategy.

According to Focus Taiwan, the amendment was passed with 60 votes in favor from the KMT and TPP, overcoming the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) 51 opposing votes. The renewed operating licenses, if granted, will be valid for up to 20 years from their effective date, with the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC), formerly the Atomic Energy Council, responsible for setting the application procedures, documentation requirements, and safety review standards.

DPP lawmakers opposed the bill due to concerns about nuclear waste, while KMT and TPP lawmakers argued that the changes provide flexibility without guaranteeing any immediate extension of nuclear operations. Taiwan was anticipated to become a “nuclear-free homeland” with the expiration of the No. 2 Maanshan reactor’s license later this week.

Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei stated that under the existing law, the No. 2 reactor at the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung County must be shut down on May 17. However, Kuo noted that power from the reactor might be available until the end of May, but any lifespan extension would require 16 to 18 months for refueling and necessary updates.

The National Nuclear Abolition Action Platform condemned the amendment, expressing concerns that it could lead to the restarting of decommissioned reactors, including those at the Jinshan and Kuosheng plants in New Taipei. The organization criticized the legislative process as opaque and called for public mobilization to recall pro-nuclear lawmakers.

The NSC stated that if a reactor is to continue operating post-license expiration, the facility’s operator, Taiwan Power Co., along with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, must assess the reactor’s condition. This assessment must adhere to legal requirements and international safety standards, evaluating the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of continued operations.

Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee clarified that the amendment is not related to the upcoming decommissioning of Maanshan plant’s No. 2 reactor, the sole operational reactor in Taiwan. She emphasized the importance of public safety and noted that even if there is a need to extend its operation, necessary safety inspections and evaluations would be conducted. Detailed regulations following the amendment’s passage have yet to be formulated, and no specific extension evaluation plan is currently in place.