Are operators really trying to improve safety?

 April 23, 2014

Nuclear regulator criticizes utilities' efforts

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140423_11.html

The head of Japan's nuclear regulator says electric power utilities have totally failed to convey what they learned from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident and what measures they are pursuing to improve safety.

Nuclear Regulation Authority Chairman Shunichi Tanaka made the remark to Japan Nuclear Safety Institute Chairman Shojiro Matsuura on Tuesday.

The institute was established by electric power companies in November of last year to help improve safety at nuclear power plants. This was the first exchange of views between the 2 organizations.

Matsuura said that keeping Japan's nuclear power plants offline for a long time will have a negative impact on what he called "the culture of safety."

Tanaka said the nuclear accident was caused by the arrogance of science and technology.

He said nuclear operators have utterly failed to communicate whether they are seriously reflecting on the accident and making efforts to improve safety. He urged the institute to better instruct the utilities.

All of Japan's 48 reactors are currently offline. But utilities have applied for safety screenings to restart 17 reactors at 10 plants.

Apr. 23, 2014 - Updated 01:18 UTC