The Legislature’s Education and Culture Committee reviewed a proposal by KMT lawmakers on Wednesday to amend Article 6 of the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act. The amendment would lift the current 40-year operational limit on nuclear plants.
Nuclear Safety Commission Chair, Chen Tung-yang (陳東陽) says that it is currently impossible to determine when Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, also known as the Third Nuclear Power Plant, might resume operations if the proposed amendment is approved. Maanshan is the only active nuclear power plant in Taiwan, but it will begin decommissioning once the operating licenses for its two reactors expire in July 2024 and May 2025.
Current law requires nuclear power plants to apply for license renewals five to 15 years before expiration. The proposed amendment would remove this time restriction, potentially allowing the Third Nuclear Power Plant to continue operating.
KMT Legislator Wan Mei-ling (萬美玲) questions if the amendment would enable the third plant to extend its operation. Chen says that Taipower must first prepare an extension report and update equipment, a process that could take one to two years. Therefore, the feasibility of the extension remains uncertain.
Taipower Chair Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) acknowledges the amendment's significance, but stressed that evaluations are necessary. Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Lien Chin-chang (連錦漳) adds that even if the amendment passes, it would take at least five years to restart the reactor, which might not address immediate energy needs. He also emphasizes the importance of addressing nuclear waste disposal as part of a responsible and sustainable approach.