Too expensive to keep them running

December 24, 2014

Utilities to announce scrapping of 5 old reactors

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/nuclear.html

Dec. 24, 2014 - Updated 00:16 UTC+1

Several Japanese nuclear power plant operators are expected to consider announcing plans to scrap reactors that are about 40 years old.

The operators are making the move as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is set to file an interim report on Wednesday on steps that would make it easier to scrap aging reactors.

The report will include an expansion of the special accounting measures for decommissioning work.

New regulations for nuclear plants introduced last year set the lifespan for reactors at 40 years. Extending their lifespan will require special inspections.

Four operators are considering announcing by next March that they will scrap 5 reactors.

Three of them are in Fukui Prefecture. One is operated by the Japan Atomic Power Company and 2 are run by Kansai Electric Power Company.

A fourth is operated by Chugoku Electric Power Company in Shimane Prefecture and the fifth one is run by Kyushu Electric Power Company in Saga Prefecture.

These reactors have a relatively small output. The utilities apparently think it will not be cost-effective to spend huge amounts on the safety measures needed to keep them running.

Kansai Electric Power Company has 2 other reactors that have been in operation for 39 to 40 years. Their output is large and the utility has started a special inspection to extend their lifespan.