June 1, 2015 Reactor expected to restart in August http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150601_36.html...

June 1, 2015

Reactor expected to restart in August

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150601_36.html

Jun. 1, 2015 - Updated 14:38 UTC+2

Further delays are likely in the process of restarting a nuclear reactor in Kagoshima Prefecture in southwest Japan.

Kyushu Electric Power Company says it now expects to restart the Number 1 reactor at its plant in Satsumasendai City in mid-August or later.

The utility on Monday submitted an updated plan to the Nuclear Regulation Authority for on-site inspections of facilities at the Number 1 and Number 2 reactors.

Kyushu Electric was previously aiming to restart the Number 1 reactor in late July, after the required inspections that began in March. But the utility says the inspections will take more time than previously thought. It says it now plans to load nuclear fuel into the reactor in early July.

Before restarting the reactor, the utility needs to receive a check-up by the nuclear regulator on drills assuming a severe accident.
Last September, the 2 reactors at the plant became Japan's first to clear the Authority's screenings under the country's new, stricter requirements introduced after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident.

None of Japan's 43 reactors are currently online.