Chugoku Electric Power Company is preparing to restart the second unit of its Shimane nuclear power plant to become Japan’s first boiling water reactor (BWR), according to Asian media.
Under revised regulations introduced by Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) in July 2013, Chugoku applied for inspections. The check would ensure that Shimane unit 2 meets stringent safety standards designed to reduce the risks of natural disasters and severe accidents.
The comprehensive regulatory framework was developed in response to the incident at Fukushima. The Shimane facility underwent significant upgrades, including the construction of a robust 15-metre-high seawall to protect the station from potential tsunamis, as well as preparation for any volcanic activity from nearby Mount Sanbe.
In June 2021, the NRA confirmed that Shimane unit 2 met the new standards, and in September of the same year, after public consultation, formally certified its safety. The approval of local residents played a decisive role.
Chugoku pledged to conduct rigorous pre-operational inspections in co-operation with the NRA. With eleven reactors already operating in Japan, the restart of Shimane unit 2 would be a notable event for the country’s nuclear power industry. It would demonstrate a cautious return to nuclear power as the country strives to achieve energy security and sustainability goals.
The restart could pave the way for a further revival of nuclear power in the country. It would demonstrate a potential shift towards greater reliance on nuclear power against the backdrop of an evolving energy market.
