Taiwan Power Clarifies Hengchun Not Final Nuclear Waste Site, Pledges Legalized Local Payments

Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) has assured residents that the Hengchun peninsula is not a suitable location for a final nuclear waste disposal site. During a public hearing on the No. 3 Nuclear Power Plant's operating license renewal, Taipower officials addressed key concerns from local communities regarding seismic safety, waste management, and local feedback payments.

The company emphasized that radioactive waste stored at the plant is temporarily held according to regulations. Taipower stated that Hengchun's geological conditions do not meet the criteria for a final disposal site, aiming to alleviate local anxieties. They also confirmed that dry storage casks have undergone seismic analysis exceeding design standards, ensuring stability even during strong earthquakes.

Regarding the plant's operational safety, Taipower explained that components have been repaired and replaced based on self-inspection results, with support from a global supply chain for parts. The plant's seismic resilience is assessed and reinforced according to U.S. regulations and industry practices, ensuring safe shutdown capabilities during seismic events. The company also noted that air quality from incinerator emissions consistently meets standards and is monitored in real-time.

To enhance disaster preparedness, Taipower and the Pingtung County Government have planned alternative transportation routes, including sea and rail, to improve evacuation resilience. Furthermore, Taipower committed to legislating local feedback payments, ensuring continuous distribution until decommissioning is complete. These payments will be adjusted for inflation and economic conditions to accurately benefit local residents.