Japan’s Tsuruga Nuclear Plant Unit 2 Fails Restart Approval Due toUnresolved Fault Concerns
Tokyo, August 29, 2024 – The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) of Japan has concluded that the Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2, operated by Japan Atomic PowerCompany, has failed to meet the necessary requirements for restarting operations. This decision, announced in a draft review report on August 28th, marks the firsttime the NRA has denied a restart application for a nuclear reactor since its establishment in 2012.
The review process for Unit 2 began in 2015, with the primary focus on the potential activity of ageological fault located directly beneath the reactor building. The NRA’s safety regulations stipulate that facilities with the potential for catastrophic consequences in the event of an accident should not be built on active faults. However, the agency concluded in July that thepossibility of fault activity beneath the plant could not be ruled out, thus failing to meet the regulatory requirement.
The Japan Atomic Power Company had requested further investigation into the fault, hoping to address the concerns raised by the NRA. However, the NRA, following a meeting with the company’s president in August, decided notto accept this request within the current review process.
The draft review report was finalized and approved at the NRA’s regular meeting on August 28th. This decision comes after a lengthy and rigorous review process, highlighting the stringent safety standards applied to nuclear power facilities in Japan.
The Tsuruga plant islocated in Fukui Prefecture on the western coast of Japan. Unit 2, a pressurized water reactor, has been offline since 2011 following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The plant’s operator had been seeking to restart the reactor as part of Japan’s efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuelsand achieve its carbon neutrality goals.
However, the NRA’s decision to reject the restart application underscores the importance of stringent safety standards in the nuclear industry. The agency’s stance reflects the public’s heightened awareness of the potential risks associated with nuclear power, particularly in the wake of the Fukushima disaster.
Thedecision is likely to face criticism from both proponents and opponents of nuclear power. Supporters of nuclear energy may argue that the NRA’s decision is overly cautious and could hinder Japan’s efforts to achieve its energy policy goals. Conversely, opponents of nuclear power may view the decision as a victory for safety concerns and a testament tothe importance of public scrutiny in the nuclear industry.
The Japan Atomic Power Company has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the NRA’s decision. However, the company is expected to appeal the decision or seek further clarification from the NRA. The future of Unit 2 remains uncertain, with the possibility of further investigations ora complete abandonment of restart efforts.
This decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Japanese nuclear industry in balancing energy needs with public safety concerns. The NRA’s decision to deny restart approval for Unit 2 serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety standards and the need for transparency in the nuclear industry.
【source】https://nwapi.nhk.jp/nhkworld/rdnewsweb/v6b/zh/detail/20240829_ML09.json
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