Taipower hopes to avert nuclear contract bailout

Other Taipower executives stressed the difficulties that would be encountered by a new company picking up a project, which in some cases may already be half finished.

"There are specific regulations governing the construction of nuclear plants ... ensuring a smooth continuation of construction of partially completed facilities is extremely important ... and it is not a simple undertaking," he said.

Besides urging the companies to stay on, Taipower can only hope for a speedy decision by the cabinet to avert a wholesale collapse of the construction team and further spectacular losses from compensation payouts.

"Regardless of whether the decision favors completion or cancellation, it must be made quickly," said Huang Shou-ching (黃壽清), head of Taipower's nuclear power department.