Bill to allow nuclear power plants to operate beyond the maximum operating period passed by the Committee on Economy, Trade and Industry of the House of Representatives

In order to make the most of nuclear power generation in order to realize a decarbonized society, a bill that allows nuclear power plants to operate substantially beyond the upper limit of the operating period was approved by the Committee on Economy, Trade and Industry of the House of Representatives on May 26 with a majority of votes.

The bill to partially amend the Electricity Business Act and the Nuclear Reactor Regulation Act will allow nuclear power plants to operate substantially in excess of the maximum operating period of nuclear power plants, which is limited to a maximum of 60 years under the current law, except for periods of suspension due to examinations, etc., and will check the deterioration status of equipment and facilities every 30 years after the start of operation and formulate a management plan. It requires approval from the Nuclear Regulation Authority.

At the Committee on Economy, Trade and Industry of the House of Representatives on the 10th, Prime Minister Kishida attended and questioned the bill.

In response to a question about whether the maximum use of nuclear power plants would go against the reflection of the accident at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Prime Minister Kishida replied, "Operation will not be permitted at all unless the highly independent Nuclear Regulation Authority conducts a rigorous examination and confirms compliance with regulatory standards." We reiterated our belief that ensuring safety is a major prerequisite.

Regarding this bill, the ruling party has agreed to revise the bill with the Japan Restoration Party and the People's Democratic Party, and has added language stating that it is the responsibility of the national government to utilize nuclear power plants and obtain the cooperation of residents of cities that are major consumers of electricity.

This amendment was approved by a majority vote of the committee on the 26th.

The bill is expected to be approved at a plenary session of the House of Representatives on the 26th and sent to the House of Councillors.