Taiwan’s Nuclear Safety Commission Launches $26 Million Reactor Project

The Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) of Taiwan has announced the initiation of a substantial four-year project aimed at developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and micro modular reactor technologies, with an estimated budget of NT$800 million (approximately US$26.45 million). This initiative comes in the wake of a recent referendum regarding the reactivation of the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung County, which ultimately did not meet the required threshold for approval. Despite this, the proposal garnered significant support, particularly in Hengchun Township, where over 60 percent of voters favored it.

Before launching the comprehensive project, the NSC plans to allocate NT$100 million in the upcoming year for preliminary research on SMRs. This funding will also be directed towards establishing the necessary capacity to review applications for constructing these reactors. The push for SMR technology aligns with President William Lai‘s directive to Taiwan Power Co (台電) to conduct safety inspections at the Ma-anshan facility following the referendum.

Focus on Advanced Nuclear Technologies

The project will be executed by the National Atomic Research Institute and will prioritize research into low-carbon and high energy density SMRs. Key objectives include domestic technology development for SMR construction, establishing a legal framework for new-generation nuclear energy policy, and forming a national team dedicated to SMR development. Furthermore, the NSC aims to reduce the time required for SMR construction.

As Taiwan’s demand for nuclear energy specialists has diminished due to its “nuclear-free homeland” policy, the institute plans to send researchers to prominent nuclear energy laboratories across Europe, North America, and Japan. These researchers will engage in short-term research, internships, or advanced studies in nuclear engineering, thereby enhancing their expertise in the field.

Simultaneously, the National Atomic Research Institute intends to recruit international experts and Taiwanese researchers based abroad to facilitate the introduction of cutting-edge nuclear technology and foster collaboration with local nuclear specialists.

International Developments in Nuclear Regulation

The NSC has acknowledged the potential for involving the private sector or academic institutions in developing new-generation nuclear reactors. It noted that countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan have invested in related studies, though none have reached commercial operational capability yet. Regulatory standards for these new reactor types in the US are still under development.

In light of these developments, the NSC stated, “We will closely monitor international developments in regulatory frameworks,” emphasizing the importance of staying informed about global advancements in nuclear technology and safety regulations. This proactive approach aims to bolster Taiwan’s nuclear energy capabilities while ensuring compliance with international safety standards.