Taiwan legislature allows extension of nuclear reactor operating licenses

台灣立法機構批准延長核電廠營運許可證

Amendment allows for 20-year extension of operating license though other hurdles remain


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The legislature passed an amendment to the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act on Monday, allowing operating licenses of nuclear reactors to be extended for a maximum of 20 years.

Many NGOs worry that the passage of the legislation could affect the decommissioning of Taiwan’s last nuclear reactor at the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung on Saturday.

Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) told the media that ensuring nuclear power safety is the country's most basic responsibility. She said that despite passing the amendment, multiple regulatory hurdles may prevent the reactor from remaining in operation, per CNA.

The first is an assessment of the nation's energy needs carried out by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Taipower. Later, the Nuclear Safety Commission will conduct safety inspections based on international safety standards.

Furthermore, Taipower would also need to solve the problem of insufficient storage space for spent fuel and then apply to the Nuclear Safety Commission. Taipower said it would have to wait until relevant laws are clarified before evaluating the next step.

Taipower Vice President Tsai Chih-meng (蔡志孟) said, "We will see how the subsequent laws are amended step by step. The competent authority will require Taipower to inspect which units and parts, and Taipower will then proceed with the assessment," per PTS.

The Nuclear Safety Commission also said it would need to wait to see what laws have been amended before reviewing whether Taipower can apply for a service extension for the last operating nuclear reactor.

Ho Gun-Min (何恭旻), section chief for the Nuclear Regulatory Group of the Nuclear Safety Commission, said, "We will review the relevant laws and regulations, including Article 16, and how to revise them accordingly."

For example, one hurdle for extending the operating license of nuclear reactors is that Article 16 of the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act says license renewal applications must be submitted 5-15 years before the expiration of the license.