Thick black smoke rises from nuclear power plant in Taiwan, probe launched

On March 6 morning, thick black smoke was seen billowing from the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in Hengchun, Pingtung County, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. 

The local fire department dispatched multiple units to the scene, but the cause of the smoke remains unknown at this time, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Hong Kong-based news outlet Dimsum Daily.

Witnesses in the vicinity reported significant plumes rising from within the facility, raising concerns among local residents. One observer, positioned about one kilometre away, described the sight as troubling and confirmed that the source of the smoke appeared to be inside the nuclear plant.

Taiwan Power Company, which operates the plant, has yet to provide an official statement on the situation. Authorities are currently assessing whether the incident has resulted in any casualties or damage to critical infrastructure.

The Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, Taiwan’s third and final nuclear facility, began operations in 1984 and plays a key role in the nation’s energy production. The plant houses two pressurised water reactors, each capable of generating approximately 15 terawatt-hours of electricity annually. It was designed with a projected operational lifespan of 60 years.

This is not the first incident at the Maanshan facility. In 1985, a turbine blade failure led to a fire and an automatic reactor shutdown, requiring nearly a year of repairs. That event triggered heightened scrutiny of the plant’s safety measures and operational protocols.

By Khagan Isayev