Following media allegations that the plant may be experiencing a leak, Hong Kong’s leader announced on June 15 that her administration is “very concerned” about the situation at a nearby nuclear power facility in mainland China.
Nonetheless, statistics from the Hong Kong Observatory and other authorities showed that radiation levels in the city were normal as of July 14 night, said leader Carrie Lam during a regularly scheduled news conference.
On June 15, data from the observatory showed that this was still the case. Ms. Lam’s remarks came a day after the French joint operator of the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant in Guangdong claimed the plant was experiencing a “performance issue,” but that it was still functioning safely. The business issued the statement in response to media claims that the plant was experiencing a leak.
Because the plant is roughly 135 kilometres (85 miles) from Hong Kong, a hypothetical leak could have an impact there. “The Hong Kong administration is extremely concerned about foreign media claims concerning a nuclear project in Taishan, Guangzhou,” Ms. Lam added.
She stated that the city has procedures in place to monitor radiation levels, and that the government will keep the public informed of any changes. Ms. Lam also stated that her administration will communicate with Guangdong officials about the matter.
The Taishan nuclear power station is jointly owned by China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group and Électricité de France, the major owner of Framotome, which assists in the station’s operation.
Framotome had written to the US Department of Energy on June 14 warning of a “imminent radioactive threat” and accused Chinese authorities of upping allowable radiation limits around the facility to avoid having to shut it down, according to CNN. According to CNN, US officials feel the current scenario at the plant does not pose a serious safety risk.
