Taiwan’s Nuclear Safety Commission Launches Modular Reactor Project

The Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) in Taiwan has announced a comprehensive initiative to develop small modular reactor (SMR) and micro modular reactor technologies over the next four years. The project is projected to cost approximately NT$800 million (US$26.45 million), with an initial NT$100 million allocated for research in the upcoming year.

This strategic move follows the recent referendum concerning the reactivation of the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung County, which did not achieve the necessary approval threshold. Despite the unfavorable outcome, support for the proposal was significant, with 60 percent of voters in Hengchun Township backing the initiative. In light of this, President William Lai has directed Taiwan Power Company (台電) to commence safety inspections at the plant and indicated that the government remains open to advancing new-generation nuclear energy technologies.

Focus on Low-Carbon Technologies

The NSC plans to execute the project through the National Atomic Research Institute, concentrating on low-carbon, high energy density SMR technologies. Among the project’s goals are the development of domestic construction methods for SMRs, the establishment of a regulatory framework for new nuclear energy policies, and the formation of a national team dedicated to SMR development. Additionally, the commission aims to reduce the time required for building these reactors.

As interest in nuclear energy specialists has waned due to Taiwan’s “nuclear-free homeland” policy, the research institute intends to enhance its expertise by sending researchers to nuclear energy laboratories across Europe, North America, and Japan. These opportunities will include short-term research placements, internships, and advanced courses in nuclear engineering at distinguished universities.

Collaboration with International Experts

To facilitate the transfer of advanced nuclear technology, the NSC is also looking to recruit specialists from abroad, as well as Taiwanese researchers currently engaged in nuclear energy studies overseas. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen local capabilities and integrate cutting-edge practices into Taiwan’s nuclear energy sector.

The commission acknowledged that while countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan have invested in studies related to new-generation nuclear reactors, none have yet achieved commercial operational capability. Regulatory standards for these advanced reactor types are still under development in the United States, prompting the NSC to closely monitor international regulatory frameworks.

Through this initiative, the NSC is positioning Taiwan to explore innovative nuclear energy solutions while ensuring safety and compliance with evolving global standards.