KMT bill seeks to extend lifespan of nuclear power plants

KMT bill seeks to extend lifespan of nuclear power plants

2024-04-24

The KMT wants to prolong nuclear power generation in Taiwan. It’s pushing a bill that will make it possible to extend the lifespan of nuclear power plants, by removing the deadline for extension applications. The bill is drawing strong opposition, with civic groups set to stage a protest on April 27. A DPP lawmaker slammed the proposal, saying the KMT was being irresponsible over the issues of nuclear waste and nuclear safety.

Broadcasting Corporation of China Chair Jaw Shaw-kong and KMT lawmakers rally in support of nuclear power.

Jaw Shau-kong
BCC chair
How many outages have there been in Taoyuan? They have also happened in Taipei’s Eastern Shopping District, and in Tainan. There isn’t enough electricity. Haven’t we had a lot of earthquakes recently? They struck Hualien hard. Were the nuclear power plants affected? The lifespan of the first, second, and third nuclear power plants should be extended, and construction should resume on the fourth plant after an expert evaluation.

Taiwan has already decommissioned its first and second nuclear power plants, based in New Taipei’s Shimen and Wanli, respectively. Two units at the third plant in Pingtung are slated for decommissioning this July and next May, when their 40-year licenses expire. Under current regulations, applications to extend the service of nuclear power plants must be submitted five years before a license expires. The KMT argues that there should be no time limit on renewal applications, and that nuclear units should be allowed to operate as long as safety conditions are met. But environmental groups have repeatedly demonstrated over issues including nuclear waste storage, the functionality of aging units, and their seismic resistance.

Hung Sun-han
DPP lawmaker
The KMT is focused on using nuclear power. But they aren’t showing a responsible attitude about problems including nuclear waste. That is everyone’s biggest concern. Since Taiwan is in an earthquake-prone area, how can we ensure nuclear safety?

Chen Tung-yang
Nuclear Safety Commission
We will of course respect any amendments passed by the Legislative Yuan.

With the KMT advocating for extending the plants’ lifespan, civic groups plan to demonstrate outside the Legislative Yuan on April 27 to voice their opposition.

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