Kansai Electric Power Co. this month will seek government approval to continue operating a reactor beyond July 2012, which marks its 40th year in service at the Mihama nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture.
Kansai Electric Power Co. this month will seek government approval to continue operating a reactor beyond July 2012, which marks its 40th year in service at the Mihama nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture.
KEPCO is required to submit a report on the condition of the No. 2 reactor at Mihama by July 25. Company officials say no problems have been found with the reactor, and that KEPCO will ask to extend its operations.
In November, the Mihama plant's No. 1 reactor became the second in the nation to enter service beyond 40 years. KEPCO plans to continue using this reactor for about 10 more years before it is replaced.
Utilities are required to submit reports on the condition of aging reactors every 10 years after exceeding 30 years of service.