Japan has agreed to extend the operating time of three nuclear reactors that have been in operation for more than 40 years, the first time Japan has restarted a nuclear power plant in service for more than 40 years after the Fukushima Dai nuclear power plant accident, the Japan Delivery Association (NHK) reported.
Units 1, 2 and 3 of the Takao Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture have been in service for more than 40 years and ceased operation after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. As the Japanese government has approved the extension of the operating time, Kansai Electric Power Company carried out safety measures construction, waiting for Fukui Prefecture to agree to restart the nuclear power plant.
On April 27, Fukushima Prefecture’s governor, Shigeru Shimbun, met with Kansai Electric Power Company President Yoshihiko Mori, again demanding that safety measures be taken thoroughly. Mr Mori said he would continue to improve the safety of nuclear power. On the same day, Mr. Sakamoto also reported to Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Hiroshi 梶 Yamayama.
Affected by the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Japan has set the service time for nuclear power plants at 40 years in principle, which can be extended by up to 20 years if reviewed by the Atomic Forces Regulatory Commission. Japan’s nuclear policy will usher in a huge turning point when the local procedures for the restart of nuclear power plants are completed.
