Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

March 27, 2026-Taipower officially submitted its plan to resume operation of the No. 3 Nuclear Plant to the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) for review today. Taipower emphasized that it has handled all relevant procedures for this plan in accordance with law. Even if the plan is approved by the NSC, Taipower will not be able to immediately resume energy generation, but must subsequently complete a self-implemented safety check, pass the NSC’s inspection, and have the operating license reissued. After that, it can finally commence energy generation.

A Taipower representative explained that the plan to resume operation of the No. 3 Nuclear Plant has been approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs for submission to the NSC. Today, pursuant to Article 16-1 of the Guidelines for the Application and Approval of Operating Licenses for Nuclear Reactor Facilities, Taipower officially submitted the plan to the NSC for review. The plan includes five major sections covering the unit’s current status and project schedule, labor allocation and training, engineering items and periodic safeguards for the facility’s renewed operations, operating period specification plans, and the quality inspection and audit plan.

Taipower emphasized that the plan to renew operations focuses on preparatory work for restarting operations following the expiration of the nuclear power plant operating license. Subsequently, the Company will continue to conduct self- implemented safety checks as needed. The self-implemented safety checks are expected to take 18-24 months, and after completion, the Company must also submit the self-implemented safety check report to the NSC for review; the time required for this review will be determined by the NSC. After passing the review, receiving approval, and having the operating permit reissued, Taipower will finally have all of the prerequisites to resume operations. Taipower will soon begin the self-implemented safety check and will continue to uphold the principal of nuclear safety as a top priority, operating strictly in accordance with law.

Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Nuclear Power Generation Director Lin Chih-Pao
Phone: (02) 2366-7040; 0921-210-506
E-mail: u808941@taipower.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

March 13, 2026-Taipower has been actively promoting university microgrid demonstration projects, aiming to achieve innovations in energy technology, expand the practical application of microgrids, and cultivate talent. Today, Taipower signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with National Central University (NCU), National Changhua University of Education (NCUE), and National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), with installation of the university microgrid systems slated for 2027. A Taipower representative expressed that this project will leverage the schools’ research capacity and Taipower’s practical experience in electrical systems to promote micro grid technology demonstrations and applications. Additionally, both sides will comprehensively plan energy and sustainability curricula to jointly cultivate professional talent for the power industry.

On March 13, Taipower held an MOU signing ceremony at Taipower Building for the 2026 University Energy Conservation and Electrical Resilience-Microgrid Promotion Demonstration Plan. Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng, NCU President Hsiau Shu-San, NCUE Director of General Affairs Liu Chin-Chia, and NSYSU Senior Vice President Kuo Chih-Wen were on site to jointly sign the agreement.

A Taipower representative indicated that Taiwan has been rapidly developing green energy and distributed energy resources in response to the global push for net-zero emissions. Taipower continuously invests in energy system upgrades. In recent years, in addition to accelerating the replacement of outdated equipment and integrating smart facilities, the Company has been building a more robust energy grid through the promotion of energy storage and microgrid projects.

Microgrids are small-scale grid systems with integrated electricity generation, storage, and management. They can operate independently or be linked to the Taipower grid, assisting with diverse applications such as energy conservation, regional independent energy supply, and disaster proofing. When campuses establish microgrid systems, it is equivalent to adding a self-sufficient power node. At times of need, e.g., during typhoons and other emergency situations, the system can autonomously power the campus, or it can instantly provide aid by contributing self-generated electricity to the Taipower grid.

Taipower is actively promoting university microgrid demonstration projects in hopes of increasing expertise, technology, and talent cultivation for microgrid applications. All Taiwanese institutes of higher education with Electrical Engineering departments are invited to participate. Following a comprehensive assessment of site plans, microgrid management and operation plans, and energy saving results plans by a joint review committee comprising professional units from Taipower; the Public Construction Commission, Executive Yuan; the Ministry of Education; the Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs; and relevant domestic research institutions, Taipower is now building on its 2024 collaboration with National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, National Chung Hsing University, and National Chung Cheng University by collaborating with NCU, NCUE, and NYSYU to jointly promote the construction of campus microgrids.

The NCU project will construct a “clustered” microgrid framework, creating several small-scale campus microgrids that can operate independently or mutually support each other, further elevating power resilience. The NCUE project will install a campus microgrid system with multiple microgrids along the same powerline, aiming to validate the configuration’s effectiveness and ensure a flexible connection with the grid. The NSYSU project will install a microgrid that transforms the Building of International Research into a disaster shelter that can autonomously supply electricity for over 48 hours. Additionally, because this campus is located at the end of the feeder line, data on its grid operations will serve as an important reference when designing electrical systems for remote islands and mountainous regions.

In the short term, the university microgrid demonstration project will treat six universities, including NCU, NCUE, and NSYSU, as testing grounds for power source technology verification and innovation. In addition to providing opportunities for teachers and students to directly participate in the research and practical application of power technology, the project will facilitate courses related to energy and environmental knowledge, microgrid energy management technology, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to cultivate professional talents in the electric power field, promote the long-term development of Taiwan’s power systems, and advance distributed energy technology.

Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Power Distribution Director Jao Yu-Chen
Phone: (02) 2366-8669; 0939-890-208
E-mail: u149005@taipower.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

March 5, 2026-Today marks the beginning of Jingzhe, one of the 24 solar terms on the traditional Chinese calendar, denoting the awakening of hibernating insects. As the weather turns warmer, birds and other animals are beginning to become active. Today, Taipower launched the Jingzhe Stable Supply project, spanning power distribution, transmission, and generation systems. The Company mobilized over 4000 personnel to remove bird nests, trim trees, install bird repellers and anti-snake/rat netting, and sealing cable conduit caps. It also implemented measures such as monitoring line facilities, upgrading or replacing old equipment, and protecting improvements to strengthen the power supply resilience. All of these efforts aim to reduce the occurrence of power outages due to external forces such as wildlife.

A Taipower representative explained that according to the Company’s estimates, nearly 50% of ordinary accidental power outages are caused by external forces. Excluding equipment damage due to traffic accidents, wire damage during construction or pipeline excavation, and trees making contact with wires during felling, approximately 40% of these outages are due to contact with wildlife. Some birds and animals scuttle back and forth on top of powerlines, or use metal materials such as steel wires as building materials for their nests. When their plumage, tails, or the steel wires in their nests make contact with the equipment lines, it can result in a power outage.

In recent years, Taipower has adopted two major approaches for dealing with power outages due to contact with wildlife: blocking contact paths and constructing a friendly environment. This replaces the old methodology “post-incident repairs” with one of “pre-incident prevention”, and aims to reduce the occurrence of power outages due to contact with wildlife. According to the Company’s estimates, 2838 outages were caused by wildlife in 2012, compared to only 1011 in 2025, an overall reduction of more than 60%.

The Jingzhe Stable Supply project encompasses power distribution, transmission, and generation systems. Taipower has dispatched more than 4000 personnel to conduct line protection and defensive monitoring. Aside from 24 business offices across Taiwan and 6 supply operation centers, the Company has targeted all levels of power substations, transmission lines, and distribution facilities for resilience enhancement. This includes upgrading electrical cables, covering exposed equipment, trimming trees, and removing bird nests located on top of utility poles. Additionally, as wildlife frequently appears in the switchyards of 21 hydropower and thermal power plants, the Company will enhance gap sealing of conduit entry points and related equipment and install protective netting to defend against harm by birds, snakes, and other animals, thereby enhancing the stability of the power supply. Taipower will also conduct equipment inspections at sites such as MRTs, marketplaces, and department stores, and provide hands-on training and safety guidance for user-side power equipment to jointly mitigate potential risks.

This project will fully inspect all areas of electrical facilities that wildlife tend to nest in or travel through, removing them before incidents occur. If fledglings or eggs are discovered, the nests will be relocated, delivered to animal welfare organizations or zoos, or transferred to members of the public who are interested in fostering them, thereby achieving the dual goals of a stable energy supply and ecological protection.

Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail:u030573@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Power Distribution Director Jao Yu-Chen
Phone: (02) 2366-8669; 0939-890-208
E-mail: u149005@taipower.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

March 2, 2026-Taipower revealed its 2026 outlook today. The Company will adhere to its mission of ensuring a stable power supply, with a focus on three key topics: future electricity demand trends, developing and enhancing power facility infrasturcture, and urban planning for the semiconductor industry. A Taipower representative emphasized that electricity is a city’s competitive power. As the global AI and semiconductor industries swiftly develop, each region is vying to attract factories. When selecting locations, these industries will prioritize cities that support power plant construction, thus, future urban planning should support enhanced energy development and energy systems.

Taiwan-US tariff fluctuations spur industrial development; energy consumption expected to increase by 5 million kWh by 2030.

Due to new developments in Taiwan-US tariff policies, aligned with the expanded production needs of Taiwan’s AI sector (including related OEM, memory, seals, packaging, and server industry chains), Taipower estimates that energy consumption will increase by over 5 million kWh by 2030. Over the next decade (from 2026 to 2035), growth of energy needs for Taipower’s systems will accelerate noticeably, with the average annual growth more than double that of the previous decade. To satisfy future energy needs and aid in Taiwan’s industrial development, Taipower will continue to examine the supply and demand circumstances for its systems and plans to expand the promotion of energy R&D and grid construction.

In response to energy needs, Taipower is fully investing in energy R&D and grid construction, aiming to support all sectors of society.

In terms of energy sources, a total of four units will be successively brought online this year: Hsinta’s new gas-fired No. 2 and No. 3 units, and Taichung’s new No. 1 and No. 2 units. In the future Taipower will install units with a total capacity of over 5.2 million kWh while simultaneously investing in demonstration work at an unprecedented scale. Meanwhile, the grid faces structural transformation and upgrade challenges. For example, energy consumption by AI data centers is comparable to that of the semiconductor industry; however, the buildings are much smaller in volume than those of the average large manufacturing plant. Data centers can be built in metropolitan areas; however, their energy consumption density far exceeds anything seen before, creating a challenge for existing grid systems. Therefore, electricity resources and proper pairing of facilities are key factors for relevant industries and regional economic growth. Taipower hopes that the public will support its comprehensive investment in necessary infrastructure construction.

Taipower signs agreement with Westinghouse Technology; manufacturer officially stationed at No. 3 Nuclear Plant for safety check.

With regard to nuclear energy, Taipower’s No. 3 Nuclear Plant has completed the initial steps of its plan to restart operations, and the plan will be submitted to the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) before the end of March, as scheduled. As for the self-implemented safety check of the No. 3 Nuclear Plant; on January 15 of this year, Taipower signed a memorandum of understanding with the US Westinghouse Company (the original designer of the No. 3 Nuclear Plant). Westinghouse Company has agreed to provide technical assistance and necessary support for the NSC inspection. Moreover, the official procurement agreement was finalized and took effect on February 13. Technical personnel from Westinghouse will be gradually stationed at the No. 3 Nuclear Plant to begin relevant work. Taipower will also adhere to its strict professionalism of treating nuclear safety as the top priority.

Electricity is a city’s competitive power! Industrial strategies and urban planning must prioritize considerations of power infrastructure.

The semiconductor industry is turning to regions with ample power supplies, and AI data centers are being built in places with a resilient power grid. When selecting sites, semiconductor plants and AI data centers prioritize the consideration of cities that support the construction of power plants, establishing an optimal balance of computing power and electricity supply. Furthermore, urban planning is not just about building roads, but also about planning powerlines. It is therefore recommended that future urban planning incorporate the consideration of power infrastructure such as water, electricity, and other basic support lines, as well as space for power substations and other key installations. A Taipower representative emphasized that electricity is a city’s competitive power: The more plentiful a region’s energy sources and the more resilient its power grid, the greater the capability to ensure a stable power supply and attract industrial investments, thereby enhancing the city’s competitive power and promoting regional economic development.

Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lin
Phone: (02)2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of System Planning Director I Hsu-Chuan
Phone: (02) 2366-6890; 0963-700-600
E-mail: u494500@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Nuclear Power Generation Director Lin Chih-Pao
Phone: (02) 2366-7040; 0921-210-506
E-mail: u808941@taipower.com.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Innovation & Technology Commission today announced a third batch of 24 projects to be given funding via the Research, Academic & Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme.

These projects were recommended by the scheme’s steering committee. The total funding awarded amounts to over $1 billion.

The projects cover health and medical sciences, new materials and new energy, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, computer science/information technology, electrical and electronic engineering, advanced manufacturing, and more.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong said the wide range of the projects involved is a clear testament to Hong Kong’s research and development capabilities and its vibrant I&T ecosystem. 

Source: Government of Singapore

20 April 2026 — The National Environment Agency (NEA) has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) on Regulatory Skills Development.

2            The agreement was signed on 17 April 2026 by Mr Ang Kok Kiat, Group Director of the NEA’s Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Group, and Mr David Skeen, Director of the US NRC’s Office of International Programs, during the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Convention on Nuclear Safety Review Meeting in Vienna.

Strengthening Nuclear Safety Capabilities

3            Under the MOC, a new training programme will be designed to develop nuclear safety capabilities and regulatory understanding for NEA and its newly formed Nuclear Safety Division. NEA officers will undertake courses and attachments to the US NRC to gain practical experience in areas including reactor regulation, safety assessments, probabilistic risk assessment and inspection procedures. This enhanced expertise will deepen Singapore’s nuclear regulatory knowledge as Singapore studies the potential deployment of nuclear energy.

4            This MOC builds on NEA’s longstanding partnership with the US NRC under an existing arrangement for technical information exchange and cooperation in nuclear safety matters. This partnership also supports the broader US-Singapore civil nuclear cooperation framework, reinforced by the signing of the 123 Agreement in July 2024. It also reflects Singapore’s commitment to building world-class nuclear safety capabilities through international partnerships, including through collaborations with other nuclear regulators in France and Finland.

The agreement was signed on 17 April 2026 by Mr Ang Kok Kiat, Group Director of the NEA’s Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Group, and Mr David Skeen, Director of the US NRC’s Office of International Programs, during the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Convention on Nuclear Safety Review Meeting in Vienna.

 

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Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To promote National Security Education Day, the Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) held an open day at its headquarters in Ho Man Tin today. 

The event aimed to enable members of the public to learn about the work of the AMS in safeguarding national security, to enhance public awareness of national security and to further deepen their understanding of its daily operations.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said that safeguarding national security is the common responsibility of all. 

He highlighted that national security is not confined to a single area, but is closely linked to finance, public health, and everyday community life. Among the 20 major fields of national security, biosecurity is closely related to the work of the AMS. 

The AMS’ services include non-emergency ambulance transfer services, first aid coverage during large-scale public events, as well as duty at country parks and cycling tracks. 

Mr Hui said the AMS spares no effort in safeguarding the safety and health of the general public and thanked its members for their unwavering dedication and commitment to protecting the public.

The open day featured national security-themed game booths, first aid demonstrations, band foot drills, medical and health seminars, health screenings, as well as displays of ambulances and first aid bicycles.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A local shopping centre is not the first place you would expect to find an indoor soccer pitch, but thanks to a programme run by the Housing Authority, imaginative use of retail spaces is becoming more commonplace.

Offering soccer classes for children, the soccer academy at So Uk Shopping Centre in Sham Shui Po opened last month.

Holly So, one of the school’s coaches, said it primarily caters to children aged three to six. “We mainly provide them with soccer training, as well as soccer competitions.”

 

Pursuing dreams

To support young people in pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, the Housing Authority’s “Well Being·Start-Up 2.0” programme allows them to trial their business plans rent-free at premises in shopping centres under the authority.

The scheme targets individuals aged 35 or below. After seven rent-free months, the authority offers them discounted rents, with staged increases, for another three years.

Ms So added: “We hope that this pitch can become the established Hong Kong kindergarten soccer competition pitch. We can attract more football players from kindergartens, and we can spread the message that football and kindergarten education can actually integrate together.”

Scaling up

To extend the programme’s coverage and impact, the authority has encouraged private shopping centres and landlords in the commercial sector to join it.

Housing Department Chief Estate Surveyor/Commercial Properties Evelyne Fung said the response from the private sector has been positive, supplementing the shop units offered by the Housing Authority.

“Currently, there are altogether 17 private owners joining this programme, offering shop units with varying rent-free periods. Together with the 12 shop units offered by the Housing Authority, this programme now offers more than 70 shop units for young startups to try out their business plans. The scale is more than seven times that of the first phase.”

Vital programme

The Housing Society also fully supports “Well Being·Start-Up 2.0” by offering designated retail premises to young entrepreneurs.

One group of youngsters has established Hong Kong’s first fitness centre focused on “inclusive” exercise at Health Village in North Point, a property managed by the Housing Society. The facility strives to provide fitness programmes targeted specifically at people with disabilities and the elderly.

Fitness centre founder Adonis Chow remarked that the scheme is vital for startups.

“This programme has let us reduce our economic pressures. The Hong Kong Housing Society provided a seven-month rent-free period for us, and we can feel free to provide more services. Nowadays, around 30% of our customers are newcomers.”

The Housing Authority, meanwhile, stressed that the programme has not only helped startups achieve success but has given residents a greater variety of choice and enhanced retail experiences.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour Department’s Registry of Trade Unions (RTU) organised the Seminar on National Security for Trade Unions today to enhance the awareness and sense of responsibility of trade unions in safeguarding national security.

Featuring exchanges of measures taken by the labour sector to safeguard national security, contributing to the security and development of the country and Hong Kong, the seminar attracted around 420 participants on-site and online.

In his opening remarks, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said that the successful conclusion of the eighth-term Legislative Council General Election last year, which fully implemented the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” and faithfully upheld the principle of “one country, two systems”, was a crucial realisation of strengthening the national security shield. 

The voter turnout rate in the functional constituency of the labour sector was nearly 90%, fully reflecting the proactiveness of the labour sector in safeguarding the country and home. 

Noting this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, Mr Sun said it is incumbent upon all sectors of the community to consider and act on how Hong Kong can make full use of its strengths to serve the country’s needs and further integrate into the overall national development. 

He encouraged the labour sector to seize the opportunities from the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and help contribute Hong Kong’s strengths to the country’s development. 

The labour chief added that apart from the establishment of solid institutional safeguards, every individual and institution must also have the commitment to national security. 

The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly states the need to strengthen national security education and fortify the defensive line in people. 

According to the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall promote national security education through social organisations, including trade unions, to raise the awareness of national security and law-abidingness among Hong Kong residents. 

He called on the labour sector’s concerted efforts to safeguard national security.

The seminar featured two keynote presentations and a panel discussion session in which four guests shared the measures and practical experiences of labour organisations and trade unions in promoting national security education.

The seminar was co-organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and the Federation of Hong Kong & Kowloon Labour Unions.