Japanese ageing nuclear reactors get OK to restart

Japanese utility Kansai Electric Power has completed all necessary local formalities to restart and operate its three nuclear power reactors in Fukui prefecture beyond their 40-year lifespan.

Kansai today won approval from Fukui governor Tatsuji Sugimoto for its plan to operate the 826MW Mihama No.3 reactor and the 826MW Takahama No.1 and No.2 reactors for another 20 years past their 40-year lifespan. This is the first time such ageing reactors have been allowed to operate for up to 60 years since new nuclear safety rules took effect in July 2013 following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Sugimoto came to a conclusion that these reactors have ensured security, while contributing to regional welfare. He also took into account the understanding and consent of local residents.

Kansai's plan to extend its nuclear operations beyond 40 years was endorsed by the Fukui prefectural assembly on 23 April. This followed approval by Takahama town mayor Yutaka Nose to restart the two Takahama reactors on 1 February and by Mihama town mayor Hideki Toshima for the Mihama reactor on 15 February.

The Takahama No.1 and No.2 reactors have been closed since January 2011 and November 2011 respectively for stricter safety inspections, while the Mihama No.3 reactor has been off line since May 2011. The Takahama No.1 and No.2 reactors are now allowed to operate until November 2034 and November 2035 respectively, 60 years after their commissioning in 1974 and 1975. The Mihama No.3 reactor is also poised to operate for 60 years until December 2036.

But it is still unclear when Kansai will restart the three shut reactors or whether the company will restart them sometime before a deadline to install anti-terrorism facilities.

Kansai said on 22 April it would miss a 9 June deadline to add counter-terrorism measures at the two Takahama reactors, without showing any target date to complete this. Such a deadline for the Mihama No.3 reactor falls on 25 October this year. The current nuclear safety law will not allow any restarts until a reactor installs counter-terrorism facilities after failing to meet a deadline.

By Motoko Hasegawa