Chubu planning to file application for screening of Homaoka

February 6, 2014

Safety screening to be sought for Hamaoka reactor

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140206_26.html 

Chubu Electric Power Company is preparing to apply for a safety screening of a reactor at its Hamaoka nuclear power plant in central Japan. The screening is necessary for restarting operation.

NHK has learned that the utility is planning to file an application with the Nuclear Regulation Authority around February 14th.

All the reactors in Japan went offline after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2011. Operators are required to clear the government's new, stricter safety guidelines before they can reactivate their reactors.

Chubu officials say they hope to restart the plant's No. 4 reactor in Shizuoka Prefecture when additional safety measures are in place against a massive earthquake and tsunami.

The steps, including the construction of a 22-meter-high breakwater, are to be completed in September 2015.

The officials also plan to apply for a safety screening of the No. 3 reactor at the plant in or after April.

The Hamaoka plant is located near the center of the likely focal zone of a mega-quake. Its reactors are the same type as those at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Chubu halted operations at the Hamaoka plant under government instructions after the Fukushima nuclear accident.

The utility increased thermal power generation instead, but rising fuel costs have caused it financial difficulties.

It remains unclear when reactors at the Hamaoka plant can be restarted, since the screening may take time. The utility also needs to get approval of local governments.