Japan Eyes Development Of Next - Generation Nuclear Reactors
Japan's industry ministry has compiled a draft outline on the development of the next-generation nuclear power system which will see the updating of existing reactors.
The government indicated in August that it would present a draft by the end of the year. It had previously said it was not expecting to build new reactors.
The draft is expected to say the government will proceed with actualizing the plan to rebuild nuclear reactors that are slated to be decommissioned.
The government will also seek to extend the life span of existing reactors. Reactors in Japan are currently allowed to operate for up to 60 years. The government hopes to extend the limit to cover the period a reactor is offline due to inspection by the Nuclear Regulation Authority or a court injunction.
On restarting idle reactors, the government plans to take the initiative in winning the support of people living near the plants and create a new team to help draw up evacuation plans.
The ministry intends to discuss the draft with council members as well as with ruling party lawmakers, and present the plan next month at a government meeting on realizing a carbon-neutral society.
