Japan’s Mihama Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 Halted Due to Cooling Pipe Leak
Fukui, Japan – Kansai Electric Power Company announced on October 10th that it has manually shut down Unit 3 of the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture, following a seawater leak from a cooling pipe.While the leak has been confirmed, authorities have assured the public that no radioactive materials have been released.
The leak was discovered after Kansai Electric Power Company identifiedtwo instances of salt analysis on the cooling pipes surrounding the reactor on October 5th. Further inspection on October 10th revealed a small hole in the pipe, indicating thinning of the pipe wall.
Kansai Electric Power Companywill now focus on investigating the cause of the leak and determining the duration of the plant’s shutdown. The company has stated that the power supply system will not be affected in the short term, as the summer peak demand for electricity has passed.
Unit 3 of the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant had undergone a scheduled inspection in February 2024 and resumed full operation. It was originally planned to remain operational until March 2025, when another scheduled inspection was due.
This incident has sparked concerns about the safety of Japan’s nuclear power plants and theimportance of thorough maintenance. Public comments on social media reflect this concern, with many users emphasizing the need for prioritizing safety and ensuring the problem is addressed comprehensively.
Background:
The Mihama Nuclear Power Plant is located in Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. It is operated by Kansai Electric Power Companyand consists of three pressurized water reactors. Unit 3 is the largest of the three units, with a capacity of 826 megawatts.
Moving Forward:
The incident highlights the need for rigorous inspection and maintenance protocols within the nuclear power industry. As the investigation progresses, the public will be closely watching forupdates on the cause of the leak and the measures taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
References:
- CCTV News Client. (2024, October 10). 冷却管道发生泄漏 日本美滨核电站3号机组暂停运行. Retrieved from https://www.thecover.cn/news/domestic/20241010/161522178.html
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