Latest news with #KansaiElectricPower


News18
24-07-2025
- 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.


See - Sada Elbalad
22-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Japan Prepares to Build First New Nuclear Reactor Since Fukushima Disaster
Amir Haggag 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. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks


Nikkei Asia
22-07-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Kansai Electric to start surveys for nuclear reactor in Mihama
Energy Advanced type would be the first to be built since the 2011 Fukushima disaster Kansai Electric Power's Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui prefecture on Feb. 21, 2020. The plant's operating company intends to replace one of the existing reactors. (Photo by Maho Obata) TOKYO (Reuters) -- Kansai Electric Power said on Tuesday it will begin surveys for the construction of a reactor at its Mihama nuclear power station in Fukui prefecture in western Japan to replace an existing facility. This marks the first concrete step toward building a nuclear reactor in Japan since a huge quake and tsunami in 2011 caused reactor meltdowns and the closure of Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima plant. With Japan being heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports, the government wants nuclear power to contribute more to the country's energy security. Kansai Electric is currently Japan's biggest nuclear power operator based on total reactors online. The surveys would focus on topography, geology and other factors, and communications with local residents would also be held, the company said in a statement. Kansai Electric is considering the SRZ-1200 advanced light water reactor for the plant, an executive told a briefing on Tuesday. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is developing this type of reactor. Japan has over a dozen reactors in operation, with a combined capacity of around 12 gigawatts. Many companies are undergoing a re-licensing process to meet stricter safety standards implemented after the Fukushima disaster. Before 2011, they were operating 54 reactors.


Japan Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Household electricity bills in Japan set to fall in July due to subsidies
The nation's 10 major electricity suppliers said Friday that power bills for standard households will fall by between ¥520 and ¥691 in July from the previous month. Behind the drop is a resumption of government subsidies to cut electricity costs from July to September, when the use of air conditioners spikes. Falls in prices of liquefied natural gas will also contribute to the decline in electricity bills. The subsidies will be ¥2 per kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed in July and September and ¥2.4 per kilowatt-hour in August. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings and Kansai Electric Power define a standard household as one consuming 260 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month. Given that, the subsidies alone are projected to push down the bills for such households for July by ¥520. For Tepco, the July bill for a standard household will decrease by ¥616 to ¥8,236, while Kansai Electric expects a drop of ¥520 to ¥7,271. Subsidies are also set to be reflected in city gas bills, by ¥8 per cubic meter in July and September and ¥10 per cubic meter in August. The subsidies will push down the gas bills of four major suppliers, including Tokyo Gas, by between ¥241 and ¥318 for July. Subsidies for electricity and gas bills began in January 2023 as a temporary measure in response to soaring fuel costs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The program was halted and restarted several times. The last time it was implemented was from January to March this year. The government plans to spend ¥288.1 billion from its fiscal 2025 budget reserves for the electricity and gas subsidies.


Japan Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Marubeni boosts power role in Singapore by raising Senoko stake
Marubeni has raised its stake in Senoko Energy to 50%, after acquiring shares in the Singaporean power generator's holding company. The trading house said in a statement on Wednesday it increased its stake from 30% after buying the shares in Lion Power 2008 from its Japanese co-investors. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Following the acquisition, Marubeni will jointly hold Senoko with Singapore's Sembcorp Utilities. "Marubeni will become more actively involved in the management of Senoko than previously and, together with Sembcorp, will continue to contribute to the stable supply of electricity in Singapore,' it said. Sembcorp had pledged in April to raise its stake in Senoko to as much as 70%, subject to Marubeni's plans. The Japanese investors that sold their stakes to Marubeni were Kyushu Electric Power, Kansai Electric Power and Japan Bank for International Cooperation.