Nuclear Safety Commission begins substantive review for Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant license renewal, holds briefing in late April

The Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) announced via press release that it has invited external scholars and experts, along with internal personnel, to form a specialized review team. This team will conduct a rigorous technical review of Taipower Company's submitted re-operation plan, in accordance with regulations and international practices. The review will cover aspects such as the current status of the units, organizational staffing and training, regular equipment maintenance and inspection, operational period regulations and restoration of operational documents, as well as quality verification programs and audit plans. The NSC will only approve the plan after confirming that Taipower has properly planned all operations and can meet quality assurance requirements. The NSC stated that during the execution of the re-operation plan, it will also conduct on-site verifications to ensure Taipower implements the plan as committed. After completing relevant operations, Taipower must submit an execution report to the NSC for review. Furthermore, Taipower must submit documents such as aging assessment and management, radiation-related issue audit assessments, and seismic safety assessments, as required by regulations. For all submitted documents, the NSC will, based on its responsibilities and professionalism, form a specialized review team composed of external scholars and experts and NSC personnel. This team will conduct a rigorous technical review in accordance with regulations and international standards to confirm compliance with regulatory and safety requirements. The NSC stated that it will continue to disclose relevant review information on its external website in the 'Nuclear Power Plant Re-operation Review and Control' special section, adhering to the principle of information transparency. In addition, the NSC plans to hold a local briefing in late April 2026 in Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, where the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant is located. Details regarding the specific time and location will be announced in advance on the NSC's external website and communicated to local residents through township (town) offices, to solicit local opinions and consider incorporating them into the review process to further improve the review operations. (Edited by Pan Yi-ching) 1150408