Japan approves operation of 50-year-old Takahama nuke plant

The Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan has approved the continued operation of the first unit of the Takahama Nuclear Power Plant (Fukui Prefecture), which will turn 50 years old in November 2024, Report informs via Kyodo News.

This is the first case in Japan when the regulator has approved the continued operation of a power unit that is over 50 years old. After conducting comprehensive inspections, the Japanese regulator concluded that the first unit of the Takahama Nuclear Power Plant meets all safety standards. The permission was issued for 10 years.

Until recently, the maximum lifespan for nuclear reactors in Japan was 60 years, including obtaining additional permission to extend operation at the 40-year mark.

However, in 2023, amendments to the legislation were approved, requiring safety inspections of nuclear power plants 30 years after commissioning and then every 10 years.