Explanations...

October 26, 2015

Governor explains approval of restart

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20151026_22.html

Oct. 26, 2015 - Updated 04:43 UTC+1

The governor of Ehime Prefecture says he decided to approve the restart of a reactor at the Ikata nuclear power plant only after thorough study.

Tokihiro Nakamura was speaking to reporters after informing Shikoku Electric Power Company that he approves of the restart of the No. 3 reactor at the plant.

He said the matter has been a very sensitive one for the prefecture in the wake of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2011.

The governor said he concluded that even if a tsunami hit the area, the Ikata plant would not be seriously affected like the Fukushima Daiichi plant was.

Nakamura said there is currently no alternative energy source that meets the 3 requirements -- power output, cost, and stable supply. He said that for now nuclear power generation should be accepted with appropriate safety measures.

The governor explained his prefecture's requests to the central government and the power plant operator regarding safety measures against earthquakes and accidents.

He said the prefectural government has received satisfactory responses over the past 4 years. The governor said he decided to approve the restart based on the government's policy, the attitude of the power company, and the consent of the town of Ikata.