Japan authorizes operations of three ageing nuclear reactors

This is the first time reactors older than 40 years are approved to restart.

Japanese power company Kansai Electric Power has been given approval by the governor of Fukui to restart three nuclear reactors beyond their 40-year lifespan.

Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto has given his ok to Kansai for its plan to operate the 826MW Mihama No.3 reactor and the 826MW Takahama No.1 and No.2 reactors for another 20 years, the first time such ageing reactors have been allowed to operate for up to 60 years since new nuclear safety rules took effect in July 2013 following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The company plans to resume operations by the end of May 2021.