6th March 2025 – (Taipei) On 6th March, Taiwan’s Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, located in Hengchun, Pingtung County, was reported to be releasing large plumes of thick black smoke around 11.30am. The local fire department immediately dispatched numerous units to the site in response to the alarming situation. As of now, the cause of the smoke remains unclear, and Taiwan Power Company has not yet provided any official commentary on the incident.
Witnesses in the vicinity reported seeing significant smoke emanating from the plant, which has raised concerns among local residents. One observer, situated about one kilometre away, described the scene as troubling and confirmed that the source of the fire was indeed within the nuclear facility.
Currently, information regarding any casualties or the specific cause of the fire is still being investigated. Emergency services are actively working to assess the situation and ensure safety at the plant.
The Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, Taiwan’s third nuclear facility, began operations in 1984 and has been a crucial component of the country’s energy infrastructure. Designed with a projected lifespan of 60 years, the plant features two pressurised water reactors, each capable of generating approximately 15 terawatt-hours of electricity annually.
Throughout its operational history, the plant has experienced several notable incidents. In 1985, a turbine blade failure led to a fire and subsequent reactor trip, resulting in extensive repairs that kept Unit 1 offline for nearly a year. This incident raised questions about the plant’s safety protocols and prompted rigorous examinations of its operational procedures.
In later years, the facility faced additional challenges, including a significant blackout in 2001 due to grid instability and issues related to the cooling systems. Despite these occurrences, the plant has generally operated safely, adhering to regulatory standards set by Taiwan’s nuclear safety authorities.
The Maanshan plant has also been involved in various upgrades and maintenance activities to improve safety and efficiency. For instance, in 2015, one reactor underwent an overhaul that included replacing fuel rods and enhancing emergency power capabilities.
