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News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
Japan To Revive Nuclear Reactor Project At Mihama Site 14 Years After Fukushima Disaster
Last Updated: The proposed development would take place at the Mihama site in Fukui Prefecture. Japan is preparing to restart a long-paused nuclear reactor project, more than a decade after halting all new development following the devastating 2011 tsunami. Kansai Electric Power, one of the country's major utility companies, confirmed the plans in a recent announcement on July 22, stating that the government will soon begin assessing the feasibility of constructing a new reactor, Reuters reported. The proposed development would take place at the Mihama site in Fukui Prefecture, a region already home to several nuclear facilities. This initiative marks the first major step toward building a new nuclear reactor since the infamous meltdown at Tokyo Electric Power's Fukushima plant, which led to Japan's worst nuclear crisis in history. The revival of the project comes just months after the Japanese government revised its nuclear policy in February 2025. Under the updated framework, Japan aims to generate 20% of its electricity from nuclear energy by 2040. This ambitious goal not only supports the restart of existing reactors but also the construction of new-generation plants, like the one proposed at Mihama. Before the Fukushima disaster, Japan operated 54 nuclear reactors. However, safety concerns led to widespread shutdowns. As of now, only a little over a dozen reactors are operational, collectively generating about 12 gigawatts of electricity. As part of the feasibility survey, the government will evaluate the topography, geology, and other site-specific factors necessary for the safe development of a nuclear reactor. According to a report by the Financial Times, Kansai Electric believes the resurgence of nuclear power is essential for Japan's energy security, economic growth, and carbon emissions reduction. 'In a resource-poor country like Japan, we need to think about how to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies, especially with the growth of new industries," said Nozomu Mori, President of Kansai Electric. Japan remains heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports for its energy needs. By investing in nuclear energy, the country hopes to create a more stable and self-sufficient energy future for its citizens. 'With a significant loss of nuclear power supply expected, it is necessary to rebuild with next-generation reactors, based on the premise of ensuring safety and gaining local understanding, to secure decarbonised power sources," Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto stated on Tuesday. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Mainichi
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Survey to start for 1st new nuclear reactor since Fukushima disaster
OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Kansai Electric Power Co. said Tuesday that it plans to begin a geological survey to replace a nuclear reactor on the premises of its Mihama nuclear power plant on the Sea of Japan coast, in what would be the first new reactor since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Currently, the No. 3 unit is the only reactor in operation at the Mihama station in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, while the other two units are set to be decommissioned. No new reactor has been built in Japan since the building of the No. 3 unit at Hokkaido Electric Power Co.'s Tomari plant. The unit began operation in 2009. "We will conduct (the survey) while explaining to and seeking the cooperation of local residents," Kansai Electric President Nozomu Mori said at a press conference in Osaka. A senior official of Kansai Electric also visited the Fukui prefectural office, where he met Fukui Vice Gov. Yasuhiro Nakamura, who urged the utility to "carefully explain" its plan to local residents. The town of Mihama welcomed the decision, with an assembly member and urging that the reactor be built as soon as possible. Yuki Sakimoto, a managing director at a construction company in Mihama, said that while his firm does not receive orders related to nuclear power plants, he sees benefits to hosting one, including improvements in road infrastructure. "Since there are no other industries, (the town would) financially collapse without a nuclear power plant," Sakimoto said. Meanwhile, town assembly member Takeshi Komoto said it is "unthinkable to build a new" reactor while issues such as nuclear waste remain unresolved. In 2010, Kansai Electric announced a plan to replace an aging reactor at the power station and started a survey, but the process was halted due to the nuclear disaster triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan the following year. Public sentiment turned sour over the use of nuclear power as a national source of energy following the disaster, prompting the government to repeatedly say it was not considering building new reactors or replacing existing ones. But with demand for electricity in Japan expected to increase in the future, the government and power industry have been discussing the need for a new or expanded facility to ensure a stable power supply. The government signaled a return to nuclear energy in its revised basic energy plan released in February. Due to the strict safety standards introduced by the Nuclear Regulation Authority following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, the planned survey will likely have to begin from scratch. If the site is deemed suitable, Kansai Electric will need to draw up a basic design and submit it to regulators for approval before commencing construction work. The government is promoting the replacement of aging reactors with next-generation models that are deemed safer. Kansai Electric is collaborating with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and others to develop an advanced light-water reactor that is designed to be more resilient to natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
Japan Today
22-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Survey to start for 1st new nuclear reactor since Fukushima disaster
Kansai Electric Power Co. said Tuesday that it plans to begin a geological survey to replace a nuclear reactor on the premises of its Mihama nuclear power plant on the Sea of Japan coast, in what would be the first new reactor since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Currently, the No. 3 unit is the only reactor in operation at the Mihama station in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, while the other two units are set to be decommissioned. No new reactor has been built in Japan since the building of the No. 3 unit at Hokkaido Electric Power Co.'s Tomari plant. The unit began operation in 2009. "We will conduct (the survey) while explaining to and seeking the cooperation of local residents," Kansai Electric President Nozomu Mori said at a press conference in Osaka. A senior official of Kansai Electric also visited the Fukui prefectural office, where he met Fukui Vice Gov. Yasuhiro Nakamura, who urged the utility to "carefully explain" its plan to local residents. The town of Mihama welcomed the decision, with an assembly member and urging that the reactor be built as soon as possible. Yuki Sakimoto, a managing director at a construction company in Mihama, said that while his firm does not receive orders related to nuclear power plants, he sees benefits to hosting one, including improvements in road infrastructure. "Since there are no other industries, (the town would) financially collapse without a nuclear power plant," Sakimoto said. Meanwhile, town assembly member Takeshi Komoto said it is "unthinkable to build a new" reactor while issues such as nuclear waste remain unresolved. In 2010, Kansai Electric announced a plan to replace an aging reactor at the power station and started a survey, but the process was halted due to the nuclear disaster triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan the following year. Public sentiment turned sour over the use of nuclear power as a national source of energy following the disaster, prompting the government to repeatedly say it was not considering building new reactors or replacing existing ones. But with demand for electricity in Japan expected to increase in the future, the government and power industry have been discussing the need for a new or expanded facility to ensure a stable power supply. The government signaled a return to nuclear energy in its revised basic energy plan released in February. Due to the strict safety standards introduced by the Nuclear Regulation Authority following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, the planned survey will likely have to begin from scratch. If the site is deemed suitable, Kansai Electric will need to draw up a basic design and submit it to regulators for approval before commencing construction work. The government is promoting the replacement of aging reactors with next-generation models that are deemed safer. Kansai Electric is collaborating with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and others to develop an advanced light-water reactor that is designed to be more resilient to natural disasters and terrorist attacks. © KYODO
Japan Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Kepco to build Japan's first new nuclear reactor since Fukushima meltdown
Kansai Electric Power Co. (Kepco) will begin the process of building a next-generation reactor at its Mihama nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture, the first new reactor in Japan since the 2011 meltdown at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. 'From today onward, we will be proceeding with offering explanations to local residents and others in preparation for the geological survey,' Kepco President Nozomu Mori said at a news conference on Tuesday. 'In our resource-poor country, it is important for nuclear power to continue to play a role in the future' from the standpoint of safety, energy security, economic efficiency and the environment, he said. Kepco began a feasibility assessment for a new reactor at the end of 2010, but it was suspended in the aftermath of the meltdown at Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima plant following the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. The company will conduct geological surveys on the grounds of its Mihama plant to assess the feasibility of building a new reactor under new safety guidelines that were implemented following the 2011 earthquake. If the ground is deemed to be acceptable, the company will submit an application to the Nuclear Regulation Authority to begin construction. At the Mihara plant, the No. 1 and No. 2 reactors are set to be decommissioned, with only the No. 3 reactor currently in operation. Next year, however, the No. 3 unit is set to reach its 50th year since the start of its operation; the number of years set for usage is generally 40. Kepco's plan for a new reactor comes after the government adopted the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan in February, which — contrary to the post-Fukushima accident stance to reduce the nation's dependence on nuclear energy — declared policies to maximize the use of nuclear power. The energy policy also outlined plans on developing next-generation reactors that are said to be safer than traditional ones. During the news conference, Mori said that especially given the growth of data centers and the semiconductor industry, the country's power needs would only continue to grow. Mori said his lesson from the Fukushima accident was to 'prioritize safety over all else' in the operation of the reactors. 'I understand that there are those who are cautious about nuclear energy ... but we will continue to work to improve the safety of nuclear power,' he said. 'This means not only complying with regulations, but also continuing to improve safety on a voluntary basis, and accumulating the results of safe operation one day at a time.'
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Japan takes first step toward new nuclear reactor post-Fukushima
TOKYO: A Japanese utility announced plans to conduct a geological survey for constructing the nation's first new nuclear reactor since the Fukushima disaster in 2011. Kansai Electric President Nozomu Mori stated the survey will assess the feasibility of replacing the aging Mihama Nuclear Power Station, marking a significant shift in Japan's energy policy. Following the 2011 tsunami and subsequent meltdown at Fukushima Daiichi, Japan shut down all nuclear reactors amid public safety concerns. However, the government has since advocated for nuclear power as a key component in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Public opinion has gradually shifted, with many reactors now back in operation. Mori emphasized Japan's limited natural resources, stating, 'It is important that nuclear power fulfils its role in the years to come.' The project, delayed since 2011, remains in early stages, with no confirmed construction timeline. Local reports estimate the new reactor could cost one trillion yen (\$6.8 billion) and take 20 years to become operational. Kansai Electric previously halted plans to replace one of Mihama's three reactors post-Fukushima. Two older reactors were retired in 2015, while the third continues operating despite nearing 50 years of service. The push for nuclear energy aligns with Japan's growing electricity demands, particularly for AI and data centres. – AFP
