Regarding the practical extension of the operating period of nuclear power plants, the Nuclear Regulation Authority decided on the 13th to establish a new system to deal with the aging of nuclear power plants. Did.
The government plans to extend the operating period of nuclear power plants, which is currently limited to 60 years by current law, to practically exceed 60 years, excluding suspension periods due to inspections.
In response to this, on the 13th, the Nuclear Regulation Authority formulated a management plan by checking the deterioration status of equipment and facilities every 10 years after 30 years since the start of operation in order to deal with the aging of the nuclear power plant. However, committee member Akira Ishiwatari, who is in charge of examining earthquakes and tsunamis, opposed the proposal, resulting in an unusual majority decision for an important matter.
At the meeting on the 15th, a team was set up to consider specific criteria for approval, but Commissioner Ishiwatari opposed the decision of the system itself, and this time it was approved by a majority vote. it was done.
The review team will also discuss how to judge the safety of nuclear power plants over 60 years, which is not assumed in the current system, and Commissioner Ishiwata also indicated his intention to participate in the discussion.