Taiwan’s Nuclear Safety Commission Launches Modular Reactor Initiative

The Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) of Taiwan is set to embark on a significant four-year initiative to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) and micro modular reactor technologies. An official familiar with the plan disclosed that this project is projected to cost NT$800 million (US$26.45 million). Prior to this larger initiative, the commission will allocate NT$100 million next year to fund initial research on SMRs and to establish the capacity to review applications for the construction of these reactors.

This announcement comes in the wake of a recent referendum concerning the reactivation of the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant located in Pingtung County, which ultimately failed to meet the required voting threshold. Despite this, the referendum revealed that support for the proposal was significant, with over 60 percent of voters in Hengchun Township backing it. Following the referendum, President William Lai ordered Taiwan Power Co to conduct safety inspections at the plant, emphasizing that the government remains open to exploring next-generation nuclear energy technologies.

Focus on Low-Carbon Energy Solutions

The NSC’s project, to be executed by the National Atomic Research Institute, will prioritize research into low-carbon and high energy density SMRs. Key objectives include establishing domestic capabilities for SMR construction, creating a legal framework for new-generation nuclear energy policy, and forming a national team dedicated to developing these technologies. The initiative aims to reduce the construction timeline for SMRs significantly.

In light of a declining demand for nuclear energy specialists—largely due to Taiwan’s “nuclear-free homeland” policy—the institute plans to send researchers abroad. They will engage in short-term research or internships at national nuclear energy laboratories in Europe, North America, and Japan, as well as pursue nuclear engineering courses at prestigious universities.

International Collaboration and Regulatory Standards

The NSC is also considering the involvement of the private sector and academic institutions in the development of new-generation nuclear reactors. Although countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan have invested in similar studies, none have yet achieved commercial operational capabilities. Regulatory standards for these new reactor types in the US are still in development, prompting the NSC to closely monitor international regulatory frameworks.

The initiative marks a pivotal step for Taiwan as it navigates its energy policy and explores modern nuclear technologies, aiming to balance energy needs with safety and environmental considerations.