Ikata likely to clear screening

 May 15, 2015

Ikata reactor to effectively clear NRA screening

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

May 15, 2015 - Updated 15:36 UTC+2

Japan's nuclear regulator is expected to compile a draft assessment on safety measures for a reactor at the Ikata plant in western Japan.

Completing the assessment is regarded as a major step forward in the reactor's restart.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority is to present the draft on the plant's No.3 reactor in Ehime Prefecture at its meeting on May 20th.

The NRA has been discussing for nearly 2 years whether Shikoku Electric Power's safety measures meet new government requirements set after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear crisis.

If the commissioners find no problem with the assessment, the NRA will hear public comments for 30 days and formally approve the assessment.

The NRA is screening, or has screened, 24 reactors at 15 power plants. Ikata is the 3rd plant to make it to the assessment stage after the Sendai plant in Kagoshima Prefecture and the Takahama plant in Fukui Prefecture.

Observers say Ikata's restart could be late this year at the earliest. It needs to get approval for equipment designs and pass onsite inspections as well as get local consent.