A coalition of Taiwanese environmental organizations urged voters to reject the plan to restart the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant. Restarting Maanshan nuclear plant, they argued, involves high risks and demands strict regulatory oversight. The groups held a press conference on Monday to emphasize their concerns. They warned that restarting the plant could lead to catastrophic consequences if safety is mishandled. The Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association and others firmly oppose resuming operations at the recently retired facility in Pingtung County. They stressed that the plant’s long operational history includes multiple safety incidents.
Ho Li-wei, a member of the Pingtung County Oversight Nuclear Safety Commission, highlighted the lack of a thorough risk assessment. He insisted Taiwan should not proceed without a comprehensive safety plan. Ho also drew attention to the Hengchun Fault, near the Maanshan plant, increasing the region’s seismic risks. Moreover, Ho cited the case of the Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant in the United States. Like Maanshan, it used a pressurized water reactor. During a 2009 maintenance project, Crystal River suffered major structural damage, forcing costly repairs over $3 billion and eventual permanent shutdown. This example illustrates the risks involved in restarting aging nuclear plants.
Furthermore, Associate Professor Hsieh Wan-hua from Tzu Chi University warned about the health risks tied to restarting Maanshan nuclear plant. Radiation exposure can increase cancers such as leukemia and thyroid cancer, she explained. She also mentioned environmental harm caused by fuel rod damage and coolant leaks. In addition to physical risks, Hsieh noted the social and psychological toll following nuclear disasters. Survivors often face postpartum depression, PTSD, and stigma, as seen after Fukushima. These factors compound the dangers of restarting the plant. Lee Kuei-lin, a retired Taipower worker with over 30 years of nuclear experience, shared his personal health struggles. Due to insufficient protective gear and training, Lee now suffers anemia and a weak immune system. His testimony highlights workplace safety failures in the nuclear sector.
Environmental groups concluded that Maanshan has reached the end of its safe operational life. Restarting Maanshan nuclear plant, they warned, poses unacceptable public safety risks. Therefore, they urged voters to oppose the upcoming referendum and prevent the plant’s reactivation. In summary, restarting Maanshan nuclear plant carries significant safety, health, and environmental dangers. With examples from past incidents and expert warnings, environmentalists call for a decisive “no” vote. Voters face an important choice impacting Taiwan’s future safety and wellbeing.
