FUKUI, Jul 23 (News On Japan) –
Kansai Electric Power introduced on July twenty second that it has resumed geological surveys in Mihama, Fukui Prefecture, as a part of plans to assemble a brand new nuclear reactor—marking a serious coverage shift after a 14-year freeze following the Fukushima Daiichi catastrophe.
President Nozomu Mori said that the corporate had suspended on-site analysis for a alternative reactor on the Mihama facility after March twelfth, 2011, however has now determined to restart the method. The firm is contemplating putting in a complicated “Innovative Light Water Reactor,” a next-generation reactor that’s stated to supply greater security requirements. The resolution to proceed with building can be primarily based on the outcomes of the geological survey, the reactor’s improvement progress, and a cost-benefit evaluation.
Currently, Mihama’s Units 1 and a pair of have been formally decommissioned, and Unit 3 is approaching its fiftieth yr of operation. Geological surveys had initially begun in 2010 however have been halted within the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster attributable to the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Executive Vice President Hitoshi Mizuta, who visited Fukui Prefecture on July twenty second, emphasised that discussions with native residents could be held rigorously in cooperation with the city of Mihama. “Explaining this thoroughly and respectfully is essential,” he stated.
Local reactions have been blended. A lady in her 30s expressed help, saying, “If this brings vitality to the town, I’m in favor. I don’t feel any additional concern.” A lady in her 20s was extra cautious: “I’m not outright opposed, but I do feel uneasy. I just hope nothing like Fukushima happens again.”
The Mihama plant lies inside a 30-kilometer radius that features components of Shiga Prefecture and Lake Biwa, making security a priority not only for Fukui however for the broader Kansai area. With rising electrical energy prices and nationwide power safety at stake, the influence on day by day life is drawing growing consideration.
Earlier this yr, Japan’s Cabinet authorized a serious reversal in power coverage. Since 2011, the federal government had been signaling a zero-nuclear coverage for the 2030s. However, in February, it formally adopted a plan to maximise the usage of nuclear power. The shift comes amid fears that power shortfalls might hinder Japan’s financial competitiveness.
According to journalist Maiko Nakajima, the federal government’s new method is pushed by rising energy demand from digital infrastructure reminiscent of knowledge facilities and semiconductor factories. Electricity utilization is predicted to rise fourteenfold over the subsequent decade as companies like cloud computing develop. Global competitors in AI and digital industries is pushing nations to safe secure power provides, with France even declaring its intention to hyperlink AI improvement with nuclear power growth.
Despite these developments, security and value stay vital points. The Mihama Unit 3 reactor is 49 years previous, nearing the 60-year operational restrict for nuclear services. Emergency evacuation plans for surrounding areas stay incomplete, and services to course of spent nuclear gas are nonetheless underneath improvement.
Cost-wise, nuclear energy stays cheaper than thermal however dearer than photo voltaic, and constructing new reactors requires main capital funding. In the occasion of an accident, the monetary dangers are large—decommissioning Fukushima Daiichi has value round 8 trillion yen, with compensation including considerably extra.
Nakajima defined that whereas preliminary building prices will elevate electrical energy payments within the quick time period, the long-term monetary burden additionally hinges on whether or not disasters happen. Experts argue that Japan should purpose for a balanced power combine, utilizing renewable power as the primary supply and nuclear as a supplementary one.
Commentator Takaoka added that though Kansai Electric is the venture operator, it’s finally the nationwide authorities that offers last approval, underlining the position of state coverage in shaping the nuclear revival. As the world shifts towards AI and data-intensive applied sciences, electrical energy provide turns into a cornerstone of nationwide competitiveness.
The resolution to renew exercise at Mihama is seen as a part of this broader momentum. Fourteen years after Fukushima, altering public sentiment and authorities backing have enabled Kansai Electric to take step one towards nuclear growth as soon as once more.
Source: YOMIURI