TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Nuclear Safety Commission said Monday its nuclear security plans already include response measures for potential drone attacks on Taiwan’s nuclear power plants, adding that such scenarios are incorporated into annual anti-terrorism drills.
A drone attack on a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates on May 17 that sparked a fire has raised concerns among Taiwanese lawmakers about whether Taiwan has similar security drills in place, per CNA. The incident prompted DPP lawmakers Wu Pei-yi (吳沛憶) and Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) to ask Monday whether Taiwan has security drill plans to address potential drone threats.
Lin Chen-hsuan (林貞絢), director of the commission’s Nuclear Security and Emergency Response Office, said every nuclear power plant in Taiwan conducts annual anti-terrorism drills, with drone-related response measures already included, CNA reported. Lin added that nuclear security plans also cover emergency procedures that assess possible scenarios, risks, and responses.
Regarding evacuation in the event of a nuclear incident, Lin said plants have internal emergency response plans, while off-site drills are conducted in coordination with local governments. Emergency planning zones in New Taipei and Keelung include designated evacuation and shelter sites, with New Taipei typically placing them at least 16 kilometers from nuclear plants.
KMT Legislator Ko Ju-chun (葛如鈞) also asked about progress on the review of plans to restart the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant. Nuclear Safety Commission official Kao Pin (高斌) said Taipower submitted its first written response last Friday, according to CNA.
