Fourth nuclear power plant passes safety checks

Taipei, July 30 (CNA) The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) said Wednesday that the controversial fourth nuclear power plant project has passed its safety checks.

The fourth nuclear power plant, located in New Taipei, met security standards after passing the review of 126 systems at its No. 1 reactor, the MOEA said at a press conference.

The checks were carried out by a special safety inspection team from April 2013 to July 25 this year, it said.

The ministry said it will deliver the relevant documents and safety reports to Taiwan's nuclear safety regulator, the Atomic Energy Council, by the end of September.

Economics Minister Chang Chia-juch said he is "absolutely confident" in the safety of the plant and will help build public confidence by promoting transparency and communication.

Chang said the government would consider opening the plant to the public on condition that their presence would not affect the facility.

Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) Chairman Hwang Jung-chiou told the press conference that his company has proposed a three-year plan for maintaining the still inactive fourth nuclear power plant, with an initial cost of less than NT$1.3 billion (US$43.3 million) for 2015.

The proposal, including the costs for maintenance and the sudden halt to construction, as well as supporting measures and technological plans, will be delivered to the Atomic Energy Council by the end of August for review, Hwang said.

Economics Minister Chang noted that spending "a little money" would help preserve the usable assets valued at about NT$300 billion. Otherwise, he said, the plant would eventually have to be written off as a loss.

The nuclear power plant has been nearly completed, but the fuel rods have not yet been installed due to widespread opposition to the use of nuclear power, especially in New Taipei, Taiwan's most populous municipality.