Key Facts
• Kansai Electric to resume geological survey at Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui.
• Survey initially began in 2010 but was halted after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
• Mihama is one of seven nuclear reactors operated by Kansai Electric in Fukui.
• Kansai Electric President Mori emphasized nuclear energy’s importance for resource-scarce Japan.
• Survey timeline remains undisclosed.
• If realized, this would be the first new nuclear plant since the Fukushima accident.
• Challenges persist with spent nuclear fuel storage and delayed reprocessing facilities.
Summary
Kansai Electric has announced the resumption of geological surveys at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui, aiming to explore the possibility of constructing a new nuclear reactor. The survey, which began in 2010, was suspended following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. This marks a significant step, as it would be the first new nuclear plant project since the Fukushima incident. Kansai Electric operates seven reactors in Fukui, the highest number in Japan. President Mori highlighted the critical role of nuclear energy in addressing Japan’s resource limitations. However, unresolved issues, including delays in reprocessing facilities and the lack of interim storage sites for spent nuclear fuel, pose significant challenges. The timeline for the survey remains unclear.
