Japan: The Nuclear Regulation Authority is preparing to evaluate aging nuclear reactors on the Sea of Japan coast, central Japan, for noticeable deterioration in their operating capability.
This makes it likely that the Number 1 and 2 reactors at the Takahama plant in Fukui Prefecture will become the first Japanese reactors operating beyond 40 years. A regulation introduced after the 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant blocks such reactors from operating.Officials at the nuclear authority on Monday will discuss whether to grant permission to extend operations, by assessing the deterioration of the facilities. The officials would grant an extension of up to 20 years if there is no deterioration problem.
In April, the nuclear regulator judged that fire prevention for electric cables — a problem unique to older reactors — and other revised measures met new regulations introduced after 2011. In June, the regulator approved a plan to strengthen the earthquake resistance of the facilities.
The extension must be approved by July 7th. However, a test of the earthquake resistance of the reactors will not be conducted before the deadline.
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courtesy:- News on Japan
http://newsonjapan.com/html/newsdesk/article/116644.php
