Life beyond 40 for Mihama 1
Japanese utility Kansai has received the necessary prefectural and mayoral approval to operate unit 1 at its Mihama nuclear power station beyond its 40th year. The 340 MWe pressurised water reactor (PWR) is the second Japanese plant, and the first Japanese PWR, to be allowed to operate beyond its originally planned lifespan. In 2009, Japan Atomic Power Co's (Japco) Tsuruga 1 boiling water reactor (BWR) received the go-ahead to operate to 2016, six years beyond its 40th anniversary. Kansai applied to extend Mihama 1's operating life in November 2009, and received regulatory approval for the life extension earlier this year. Mihama 1, which will complete 40 years of service on 28 November, could now become Japan's first nuclear reactor to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Kansai is continuing to look into building a new reactor at the Mihama site eventually to replace the unit.
Japanese utility Kansai has received the necessary prefectural and mayoral approval to operate unit 1 at its Mihama nuclear power station beyond its 40th year. The 340 MWe pressurised water reactor (PWR) is the second Japanese plant, and the first Japanese PWR, to be allowed to operate beyond its originally planned lifespan. In 2009, Japan Atomic Power Co's (Japco) Tsuruga 1 boiling water reactor (BWR) received the go-ahead to operate to 2016, six years beyond its 40th anniversary. Kansai applied to extend Mihama 1's operating life in November 2009, and received regulatory approval for the life extension earlier this year. Mihama 1, which will complete 40 years of service on 28 November, could now become Japan's first nuclear reactor to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Kansai is continuing to look into building a new reactor at the Mihama site eventually to replace the unit.
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