Japan passed new nuclear power safety standards

Japan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) on June 19 passed a new and more stringent set of safety standards for nuclear power plants.

According to NHK, the new set of standards for the first time regulating the protection of nuclear leaks and safety measures against natural disasters is a must for factories. Specifically, the need to set up an emergency operating center, develop a scenario to deal with earthquakes and tsunamis, work out anti-terrorism measures .

Radioactive inspection personnel at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant - (Photo: Reuters)

Prior to the above provisions, the construction of safety measures depends on the management company of the plant decided and voluntary.

Fukushima nuclear disaster in March 2011 forced the Japanese Government to then shut down most nuclear plants and implement a policy of gradually reducing nuclear energy. There are only two out of 50 nuclear reactors in Japan currently in operation.

However, the current government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants nuclear power plants to work again soon. This policy faces public opposition. A recent survey by Kyodo said 52% of respondents opposed nuclear power because of concerns about safety issues.

Research and revision of safety standards at nuclear power plants start from October 2012. Once approved, the new set of standards will officially take effect from July 8, 2013. After that, the nuclear power plant operators will register to be inspected if they want to resume operation.

Kyodo news agency said four power companies may apply for inspections of 12 reactors at six plants. NRA officials said the process lasted at least six months.