Japan extends operating life of oldest nuclear reactor

On October 16, Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) allowed reactor No. 1 at the Takahama nuclear power plant in central Japan to resume operations.

This is the first reactor in the country to be allowed to operate for more than 50 years.

The NRA has approved Kansai Electric Power Co.'s plan to operate the No. 1 nuclear reactor for another 10 years, as the reactor celebrates its 50th anniversary in November.

The Japanese government now sees nuclear power as important in the energy system of this resource-poor country.

The NRA also confirmed Kansai Electric Power Company's assessment that the pressure vessel can withstand neutron exposure and that the strength of the concrete is maintained despite the effects of heat and radiation.

In June 2016, reactors 1 and 2 of the plant were allowed to remain in operation after 40 years of use.

In 2023, both reactors will be allowed to restart for the first time since the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in 2011.

In May 2023, the Japanese Parliament passed a bill allowing nuclear reactors in the country to operate beyond the current 60-year limit.

Under new regulations, nuclear reactors could be allowed to extend their operating years.

Total operating time will not include downtime due to reasons beyond control such as safety assessments or court orders.

In addition, the NRA will inspect the condition of reactors and related facilities at least once every 10 years after 30 years of operation to ensure the safety of older facilities.