Tseng Wen-sheng: Original manufacturer to inspect Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant equipment in May, first phase expected to be completed by year-end
Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng announced that Taiwan's summer night peak electricity demand is projected to exceed 38 million kW, potentially setting a new record. However, with new power units coming online, supply is stable, and the reserve capacity rate is expected to remain above 7% during night peaks. The first phase of Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant's self-inspection, including manufacturer checks, is scheduled to begin in May and conclude by year-end.
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- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 16:25
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 16:31 (6 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 16:39 (7 min after Collected)
Central News Agency reporter Tseng Yun-ting reported from Taipei on April 30 that Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng stated today that summer electricity demand continues to grow this year, with the night peak load estimated to exceed 38 million kilowatts (kW), potentially setting a new record. However, with new units continuously joining, the power supply situation remains stable, and the night peak reserve capacity rate is expected to be maintained above 7%.
Regarding the progress of Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant's self-safety inspection, Tseng Wen-sheng stated that it is proceeding according to the established rhythm, and the original manufacturer will also begin inspection work in May, with the first phase of inspection expected to be completed by the end of the year to grasp the overall equipment status before evaluating subsequent operational progress.
Taipower held its 80th-anniversary celebration today, with President Lai Ching-te personally attending, along with Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin, The Chugoku Electric Power Chairman Shigeru Ashiya, Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng, and distinguished guests from various sectors, witnessing Taipower's important milestone.
Tseng Wen-sheng pointed out in a media interview that as May approaches and summer electricity consumption peaks, Taipower will have four large units joining the power supply this year, including Hsing-Ta Power Plant Unit 3, which has completed ignition and is undergoing grid connection and testing. Taichung Power Plant Unit 2 is also expected to ignite today and will subsequently be connected to the grid for power generation, helping to enhance overall power supply capability.
Regarding electricity demand, Tseng Wen-sheng stated that this year's electricity consumption is still expected to continue growing. Taipower uses the summer night peak as an important observation indicator, and currently, the night peak load is estimated to exceed 38 million kW, which may set a new record for night peaks.
Regarding reserve capacity, Tseng Wen-sheng pointed out that Taipower's target for night peak reserve capacity rate this year can still be maintained above 7%. As for the day peak, due to the injection of solar photovoltaics, the power supply pressure during midday hours is relatively low, and the reserve capacity rate can usually reach above 10%. He added that although the day peak load is difficult to estimate precisely due to various factors, overall, it is expected to exceed 41 million kW.
Taipower further explained that this year's highest electricity consumption (peak load) is estimated to reach 42.94 million kW, and the night peak load 38.53 million kW. Plans include new renewable energy sources and over 5 million kW of new units gradually coming online. Under normal operating conditions, the day peak reserve capacity rate can be maintained above 10% and the night peak reserve above 7%.
Regarding rumors that the former Taipower Vice President Kuo Tien-ho will return to serve as Taipower's General Manager, Tseng Wen-sheng only stated that information would be announced at an appropriate time, and the handover would likely be completed after Mother's Day.
Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin stated in an interview that he would depart for the United States tonight to participate in the 'SelectUSA Tech' startup competition at the 'SelectUSA Investment Summit' and also to learn about the local investment environment in Arizona.
Kung Ming-hsin said that Taiwan's delegation size is currently among the top globally, indicating strong corporate interest in investing in the US. The government will also assist in matching and conveying the needs of businesses to the US side, including the supply of infrastructure such as water and electricity, to facilitate smooth investment promotion.
Regarding legislative proposals to amend the Air Pollution Control Act, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is concerned about potential impacts on power supply stability. Kung Ming-hsin pointed out that relevant proposals have raised concerns in the industry, stating that this would not only affect Taipower but also impact corporate operations. According to data from the Taichung City Government, air pollution has been reduced by approximately 30% since 2018, with excellent results, so 'this reason should not be used to affect power supply.' (Editors: Pan Yi-Ching) 1150430
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Regarding the progress of Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant's self-safety inspection, Tseng Wen-sheng stated that it is proceeding according to the established rhythm, and the original manufacturer will also begin inspection work in May, with the first phase of inspection expected to be completed by the end of the year to grasp the overall equipment status before evaluating subsequent operational progress.
Taipower held its 80th-anniversary celebration today, with President Lai Ching-te personally attending, along with Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin, The Chugoku Electric Power Chairman Shigeru Ashiya, Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng, and distinguished guests from various sectors, witnessing Taipower's important milestone.
Tseng Wen-sheng pointed out in a media interview that as May approaches and summer electricity consumption peaks, Taipower will have four large units joining the power supply this year, including Hsing-Ta Power Plant Unit 3, which has completed ignition and is undergoing grid connection and testing. Taichung Power Plant Unit 2 is also expected to ignite today and will subsequently be connected to the grid for power generation, helping to enhance overall power supply capability.
Regarding electricity demand, Tseng Wen-sheng stated that this year's electricity consumption is still expected to continue growing. Taipower uses the summer night peak as an important observation indicator, and currently, the night peak load is estimated to exceed 38 million kW, which may set a new record for night peaks.
Regarding reserve capacity, Tseng Wen-sheng pointed out that Taipower's target for night peak reserve capacity rate this year can still be maintained above 7%. As for the day peak, due to the injection of solar photovoltaics, the power supply pressure during midday hours is relatively low, and the reserve capacity rate can usually reach above 10%. He added that although the day peak load is difficult to estimate precisely due to various factors, overall, it is expected to exceed 41 million kW.
Taipower further explained that this year's highest electricity consumption (peak load) is estimated to reach 42.94 million kW, and the night peak load 38.53 million kW. Plans include new renewable energy sources and over 5 million kW of new units gradually coming online. Under normal operating conditions, the day peak reserve capacity rate can be maintained above 10% and the night peak reserve above 7%.
Regarding rumors that the former Taipower Vice President Kuo Tien-ho will return to serve as Taipower's General Manager, Tseng Wen-sheng only stated that information would be announced at an appropriate time, and the handover would likely be completed after Mother's Day.
Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin stated in an interview that he would depart for the United States tonight to participate in the 'SelectUSA Tech' startup competition at the 'SelectUSA Investment Summit' and also to learn about the local investment environment in Arizona.
Kung Ming-hsin said that Taiwan's delegation size is currently among the top globally, indicating strong corporate interest in investing in the US. The government will also assist in matching and conveying the needs of businesses to the US side, including the supply of infrastructure such as water and electricity, to facilitate smooth investment promotion.
Regarding legislative proposals to amend the Air Pollution Control Act, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is concerned about potential impacts on power supply stability. Kung Ming-hsin pointed out that relevant proposals have raised concerns in the industry, stating that this would not only affect Taipower but also impact corporate operations. According to data from the Taichung City Government, air pollution has been reduced by approximately 30% since 2018, with excellent results, so 'this reason should not be used to affect power supply.' (Editors: Pan Yi-Ching) 1150430
Choose to stand with facts; your sponsorship supports press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-Hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.