Taipower Denies Four-Day Award for Nuclear Dry Storage Procurement

Reports circulating in the Taiwanese media have raised questions about the speed of the procurement process for the US$13.7 billion dry storage facility at Nuclear Power Plant No. 3. An online media outlet, citing a whistleblower, claimed the contract was awarded in a mere four days, sparking concerns about potential irregularities. This narrative, if left unchecked, could undermine public trust in critical energy infrastructure projects.

However, Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) has moved swiftly to address these allegations. In a detailed response, Taipower has asserted that the procurement process was conducted strictly in accordance with the Government Procurement Act. The company highlighted that the project underwent three rounds of public review to solicit feedback from potential bidders before the first public tender was held in September of the previous year. This initial tender failed due to an insufficient number of bidders.

Taipower further explained that a second public tender was conducted in December, followed by a rigorous review process by the bid evaluation committee. The company stated that it even consulted with the Central Procurement Office to ensure compliance with all regulations, particularly regarding the signatory's qualifications. A selection committee meeting was held on May 12th, confirming that the process did not involve a rushed four-day decision or any non-compliance with standards. The company stressed that the review and selection were a collaborative effort involving both internal and external experts, underscoring the thoroughness of the procedure.

Recognizing the significance of the project and the substantial financial investment, Taipower has proactively established a procurement integrity platform. This platform includes collaboration with judicial, investigative, and police agencies to ensure the utmost transparency and fairness. Taipower remains committed to upholding the principles of the Government Procurement Act throughout this process, aiming to deliver a crucial national facility without compromising ethical standards or public confidence.