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In a strategic move to bolster its nuclear capabilities, Taiwan's Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) has announced a four-year project focused on the development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Micro Modular Reactor technologies. This initiative comes in the wake of a recent referendum concerning the Maanshan nuclear power plant, which, although it did not secure the necessary votes for reactivation, demonstrated a noteworthy local endorsement for nuclear energy.

The commission's project is budgeted at NT$800 million (approximately US$26.45 million), with an immediate allocation of NT$100 million earmarked for the upcoming year. This initial funding will support a research project on SMRs and the establishment of a framework to review construction applications for these reactors. The project aims to introduce domestic construction technologies for SMRs while providing a robust legal framework to guide the development of next-generation nuclear energy policies.

As part of the initiative, the National Atomic Research Institute will spearhead efforts to research low-carbon, high-energy density SMRs. Key objectives include forming a national team dedicated to SMR development, expediting construction timelines, and enhancing the regulatory capabilities surrounding these advanced reactor types.

In response to a declining demand for nuclear energy specialists—largely due to Taiwan's nuclear-free homeland policy—the institute plans to send researchers to leading nuclear laboratories in Europe, North America, and Japan. This strategy aims to facilitate short-term research experiences and academic training at prestigious universities, thereby enriching Taiwan's nuclear expertise.

Moreover, the NSC is considering the involvement of private sectors and academic institutions in the potential construction of new generation nuclear reactors. While countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan have invested in similar studies, achieving commercial operational capability remains a challenge, with regulatory frameworks still under development in the U.S.

This multifaceted approach signifies Taiwan's commitment to advancing its nuclear energy landscape, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of modern technological developments in the sector.