Taiwan to seal off newly-built nuclear plant pending referendum on its future

The authorities in Taiwan say they will seal off a newly-built nuclear plant due to open next year until a referendum has taken place following public protests

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Taiwanese police use a water cannon to disperse demonstrators in Taipei protesting against construction of a fourth nuclear plant in April. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:00pm, 31 Jul 2014Updated: 5:24pm, 31 Jul 2014

Taiwan’s government said on Thursday it would seal off a nuclear power plant due to open next year but repeatedly attacked as unsafe by the public, pending a referendum on its future.

Deputy economic affairs minister Woody Duh said maintenance fees could reach NT$4 billion (HK$103 billion) to shutter the power station for three years – the estimated time required to organise and hold the referendum.

In April, the government said it would halt construction after an estimated 28,500 protesters blockaded a main street in Taipei demanding the plant be scrapped. Police used water cannon to dislodge hundreds who refused to leave the scene, in clashes that left 40 people injured.

Intense political wrangling has repeatedly delayed the project, which began in 1999.

The gate to the nuclear waste site on Orchid Island, off the southeastern coast of Taiwan, managed by state-run company Taipower that built the new nuclear plant. Photo: SCMP Pictures

The fourth plant is almost complete and was originally due to come on line next year, according to its operator the state-owned Taiwan Power Company (Taipower).