March 3, 2016
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2016 March 2 - 8 [SOCIAL ISSUES]
Citizens protest against string of troubles with restarted nuclear reactor |
Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO), the operator of the Takahama NPP in Fukui, put the No.4 reactor back online on February 26 following the restart of the No.3 reactor in January. Three days later, the No.4 reactor and its turbine shut down suddenly during the preparation for power transmission. On February 20, the same reactor leaked primary cooling water containing radioactive substances.
In the representations, Nakajima Tetsuen, a civil organization leader, pointed to the fact that both of the reactivated reactors are more than 30 years old. Noting that the reactors themselves may be worn out, he said, “If there is a malfunction with the generator, it may cause a fire.”
An official of the regulatory authority replied, “As you point out, the running of nuclear reactors involves some risks.”
The protesters demanded a thorough investigation into the recent troubles as well as a halt to the operation of the No.3 reactor.
At the prefectural government office, the chief of the nuclear safety division told the petitioners that it is deplorable that the reactor has caused troubles. “In accordance with related laws and regulations, the NRA needs to work to determine the cause of the problems,” he added.
On the same day, a nationwide civil network objecting to the restart of idled nuclear reactors staged a protest rally in front of KEPCO’s branch office in Tokyo.
Holding up placards, participants called out, “No to the restart!” and “Decommission Takahama reactors immediately!”
Past related articles:
> NRA okays use of 40-year-old reactors at Takahama NPP [February 25, 2016]
> Residents near Takahama NPP need 7.5 hours to escape from nuclear accident [February 28, 2016]
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