Reflections on the
Recent Accident of the Third Nuclear Power Plant
Lung-chu Chen
In the
past, the Taipower Company emphasized again and again the supreme safety
in design and operation of the nuclear power plants in Taiwan. But, the
recent Class 3A emergency of the Third Nuclear power plant in Ping-tong
has been a cause for deep concern and alarm. Technologically speaking, how
safe is the safety control for Taiwan's existing nuclear power plants? How
could Taiwan cope with a nuclear disaster ?
In fact, no nuclear expert in the world would dare to guarantee the
absolute safety of nuclear power plants. Advanced countries such as USA,
former Soviet Union, Japan, have had nuclear power accidents, and nobody
can be sure where and when the next nuclear disaster will occur. The
island of Taiwan, with its small area, geological configuration, and
high-dense population, is extremely vulnerable. Today and in the
foreseeable future, there is still no effective solution to the
disposition of nuclear waste. Although Taiwan was spared a disaster this
time, the accident appeared to be a timely warning to the government and
people of Taiwan: think hard and think again, think about the future
generations, before any hasty nuclear power policy is taken.
It would be prudent to take another careful look at the controversy about
whether or not to continue the construction of the 4th nuclear power
plant. It would be proper and fitting to let the people of Taiwan make
informed decision through a plebiscite or referendum. Such a plebiscite
should be orderly and responsible, well planned, well informed, and well
executed. On a vital and controversial issue such as constructing a
nuclear power plant, people should be the ultimate decision-makers.
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