The two nuclear reactors, number 3 and 4 at the Takahama plant, have been authorized by the nuclear regulator to extend their operation for an additional 20 years. This decision allows the government to maintain nuclear power in Japan as a fundamental energy alternative for the country.
The authorization of the two nuclear reactors
This authorization makes these reactors the seventh and eighth nationwide to receive approval to operate beyond 40 years. However, the plant’s four reactors in Fukui Prefecture are authorized to operate for another 60 years.
On the other hand, both reactor number 3 and number 4 are currently in operation and have 40 years of operation between January and June 2025, approximately. Kansai Electric Power, the operator of the reactors, requested the extension in April 202, after completing detailed inspections of the facilities.
At a recent meeting, Shinsuke Yamanaka, chairman of the Takahama Plant Regulator, detailed that reactor pressure vessels tend to become brittle due to radiation, increasing their vulnerability. However, an official of the organization said that the reactors are reactors have been thoroughly evaluated and showed no problems in the inspection.
Japan’s precautions after the nuclear accident
Reactors 1 and 2 of this plant were licensed in June 2016 to operate more than 40 years. In 2023, both reactors were reactivated for the first time since the Fukushima Daiichi disaster in 2011.
Following the nuclear accident, the Japanese government established regulations limiting the operation of nuclear units to a maximum of 40 years, with possible extensions up to 60 years after evaluation. However, in May 2023, the government passed a bill allowing reactors to operate beyond the 60-year limit, subject to new regulatory approvals by June 2025.
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Source: Kyodo News
Photo: Yomiuri Shimbun
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