The court says no to reactor startup – New Technology

The Japanese nuclear power plant Takahama had high hopes of being allowed to start two reactors. But a district court says no.

     Takahama nuclear power plant. Photo: Wikimedia
     

As a New Technology could report yesterday, Japan’s all 48 nuclear reactors stood still since September 2013.

But the power industry is anxious to restart as many reactors as possible to reduce purchases of expensive fossil fuel substitutes.

After the natural disaster March 11, 2011 and the events in Fukushima, the Japanese nuclear safety authority has raised the requirements for what the reactors must withstand both when it comes to earthquakes and protection against tsunami waves.

In Takahamaanläggningen, owned by the energy company Kansai Electric, got Units 3 and 4 go-ahead Restarting Nuclear Safety Authority following an inspection in February. The energy company had planned to restart the reactors in November.

But besides the green light from the National Nuclear Security Administration, the energy companies also get clearance from the local

authorities. And the inhabitants of the county Fukui, where Takahamaanläggningen there, have turned to the district court, claiming that an unexpected earthquakes can cause a serious nuclear accident, which spread radiation in the district. The judge says he can not see enough credible arguments from energy company with regard to measures against earthquakes.

Kansai Electric will appeal the decision.