12-day IAEA mission to assess NRA

January 11, 2015

IAEA starts review of Japan's nuclear regulator

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

Jan. 11, 2016 - Updated 04:59 UTC+1

Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency have begun their first review of Japan's nuclear regulator since it was set up after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.

Team leader Philippe Jamet told officials with the Nuclear Regulation Authority on Monday that they will evaluate how Japan has improved its nuclear regulatory framework since the accident. He said team members will offer frank opinions so further improvements can be made.

During the 12-day mission, the experts will interview NRA officials and visit nuclear power plants, including Fukushima Daiichi.

The IAEA sends teams of experts to countries at their request to assess their regulators and nuclear inspections.

In 2007, a team reviewed NRA's predecessor and recommended that its independence from government offices that promote the industry be legally clarified. It also called for reviews of nuclear inspections.