- By Esme Yeh / Staff reporter
Opponents encouraged to refrain from expanding nuclear weapon deployment
Green advocates are urging lawmakers to reject an amendment that could hasten the renewal of the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant, warning that the short review period may compromise safety and public trust.
At a news conference yesterday, Green Citizens' Action Alliance secretary-general Tsuei Su-hsin (崔愫欣) called on opposition lawmakers to oppose extending the plant's operation by passing the proposed amendment to Article 6 of the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act (核子反應器設施管制法). The plant in Pingtung County should cease operation by next week, as the act stipulates that operating licenses are valid for only 40 years and may not be extended without due application.
The Rush to Renew
According to Tsuei, the draft amendment would allow nuclear power plants to apply for extended operation at any time prior to their decommissioning date without undergoing the necessary safety inspections. If passed, Taiwan Power Co (Taipower) would have to submit three nuclear safety reports within only one week, and the Nuclear Safety Commission would have to complete the review and on-site inspections within two months to extend use of the plant.
However, environmentalists argue that this timeline is insufficient for a comprehensive evaluation, especially considering the long-term implications and potential risks involved.
Historical Precedent
For example, the application for extended use of the Jinshan Nuclear Power Plant in New Taipei City, filed in 2009, underwent 38 months of review and was not approved[1]. This indicates that a thorough review process can take multiple years.
Public Safety Concerns
The Ma-anshan plant is situated near the Hengchun Fault, raising concerns about its vulnerability to accidents. Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association research fellow Kuo Chia-wen (郭佳雯) highlights the importance of decommissioning the power plant after its service life reaches 40 years due to the high risks associated with prolonged operation[1].
In addition, potential geopolitical tensions should be considered when deciding whether to extend the plant's operation. Attorney Lai Chung-chiang (賴中強) points out that Article 56 of the Geneva Conventions allows for exemptions in "special" cases, leaving open the possibility of attacks on the plant if it provides electric power in regular, significant, and direct support of military operations[1].
Calls for a Comprehensive Review Timeline
Environmental groups are urging a more substantial timeline for the review process, with at least 3 to 6 months allowed for Taipower to prepare and submit detailed safety reports, followed by additional time for on-site inspections, public consultation, and a final review[2]. This structured approach would ensure that all aspects of safety are addressed before any decision is made on extending the plant's operation.
Additional reporting by CNA
[1] Data enrichment from the original article.[2] Suggested structural approach for a thorough review process, presented for informational purposes only.
- Environmental groups are urging lawmakers to reconsider an amendment that could accelerate the renewal of the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant, as the short review period might compromise safety and public trust.
- According to the Green Citizens' Action Alliance, the proposed amendment to Article 6 of the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act would allow nuclear power plants to apply for extended operation without undergoing necessary safety inspections.
- If passed, Taipower would have to submit three nuclear safety reports within a week, and the Nuclear Safety Commission would have two months for the review and on-site inspections. Environmentalists argue that this timeline is insufficient for a comprehensive evaluation.
- The Ma-anshan plant's location near the Hengchun Fault and potential geopolitical tensions should be considered when deciding whether to extend the plant's operation. Environmental groups suggest a more substantial timeline for the review process, with at least 3 to 6 months for detailed safety reports, on-site inspections, public consultation, and a final review.
