Nuclear power generation in a newly industrialized country

Abstract

This chapter describes the nuclear power generation in the Republic of China on Taiwan. One of the most important factors contributing to low electric tariff rates in Taiwan is the utilization of nuclear power. Nuclear power generation represented 19% of the total power generation in 1980 and 25% in 1981 in Taiwan. These numbers can be compared with 14.8% in 1980 in Japan and 9.3% and 7.1% in 1980 and 1981, respectively, in Korea. Moreover, according to operating experience, nuclear power generation is not only safe and reliable but also highly economical. The chapter presents the total unit production costs of the various types of power generation in the Taipower system in recent years. It is clear that nuclear power has a substantial economic advantage over either coal-fired or oil-fired power generation. The total cost of nuclear power generation is only one-third of the fuel cost for the oil-fired generation.