Japan Prepares to Build First New Nuclear Reactor Since Fukushima Disaster
Kansai Electric Power announced the start of preparations for a geological survey to build a new nuclear reactor at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant on the coast of the Sea of Japan. This will be the first project of its kind since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Japan's official Kyodo News agency reported that the new reactor will replace one of the aging reactors at the plant in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. Only Reactor No. 3 is currently operating, while the other two have been permanently decommissioned.
"We will begin the geological survey while ensuring communication with the local population and gaining their support and cooperation," company President Nozomu Mori said at a press conference in Osaka.
This development comes after similar plans were halted in 2010, when the replacement of the aging reactor was first announced. However, the Fukushima disaster and subsequent widespread public opposition to nuclear power led to the project being shelved.
With the growing need for stable energy sources in Japan, the government has reconsidered its policies. In its basic energy plan, announced last February, it emphasized the need to develop safer, new-generation reactors.
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