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The Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) today (26th) announced that the operating license for Unit 1 of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant (Maanshan NPP) will expire on July 27, after which the unit will be shut down and encounter the the decommissioning phase. NSC will continue to supervise the operational safety of the nuclear power plant. As for Unit 2, its operating license is valid until May 17 next year. NSC has requested Taipower to strengthen the plant management in response to the different statuses between the two units.

NSC stated that the operating license of  Maanshan NPP Unit 1 is going to expire on July 27. Taipower will follow operational procedures to reduce the load and shut down the unit, with the decommissioning process commencing on the following day (7/28). NSC will conduct the on-site inspections to ensure  the transition from operational status to shut down and decommissioning of Unit 1 meets safety requirements.

NSC approved  Maanshan NPP decommissioning plan on April 24, 2023. Currently, Taipower is conducting the environmental impact assessment for the decommissioning plan. Once Taipower submits the relevant environmental impact assessment (EIA) data approved by the Ministry of Environment, also it is confirmed to comply with Article 23 of the Nuclear Reactor Facilities Regulation Act, the decommissioning permit for the Maanshan NPP may be granted in accordance with the law.

Additionally, given that the operating license of Maanshan NPP Unit 2 has not yet expired and the Unit 2 will operate until May 17 next year, NSC has requested Taipower to strengthen plant management measures in response to the different statuses between the two units. The measures are respectively on administrative management, physical barriers, procedural documents, and training programs, hoping to maintain the safe and stable operation of Unit 2.

News sources: NSC, yahoo news