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Japan Rejects Reactor Restart Over Earthquake Risk
Japan's nuclear watchdog rejected the restart of the Tsuruga No. 2 reactor due to safety concerns related to potential active fault lines, marking a setback for the country's nuclear energy plans.
English
United States
Energy SecurityEnergyJapanIndo PacificNuclear PowerSafety RegulationsEarthquakes
Nuclear Regulation Authority (Nra)Japan Atomic Power Co.Japanese Government
Shinsuke YamanakaYoshimasa Hayashi
- What are the next steps for the Tsuruga No. 2 reactor and its operator?
- While the NRA isn't immediately ordering decommissioning, Japan Atomic Power Co. would need to address the fault line issue and implement broader safety improvements to even reapply for a restart. Proving the safety of underlying faults is scientifically challenging.
- Why did Japan's nuclear watchdog reject the restart of the Tsuruga No. 2 reactor?
- Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) rejected the restart of the Tsuruga No. 2 reactor due to unresolved safety risks related to potential active fault lines underneath the facility. This is the first rejection under post-Fukushima safety standards.
- What is the impact of this decision on Japan Atomic Power Co. and its future plans?
- The NRA's decision is a significant blow to Japan Atomic Power Co., virtually ending its hopes for restarting the Tsuruga No. 2 reactor. The company expressed regret but stated its intention to continue efforts towards a restart.
- What specific safety concerns led to the rejection of the Tsuruga No. 2 reactor restart?
- The Tsuruga No. 2 reactor's operator, Japan Atomic Power Co., failed to adequately address concerns about active fault lines near the reactor despite years of review. The NRA deemed the presence of these fault lines unacceptable for safe operation.
- What are the implications of this decision for Japan's energy policy and carbon neutrality goals?
- The decision marks a setback for Japan's plan to maximize nuclear power to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The government, while respecting the NRA's decision, maintains its commitment to promoting nuclear energy.