Japan's Chugoku Electric to study construction of storage for used nuclear fuel

Chugoku Electric Power Co

18/08/2023 06:30

TOKYO, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Chugoku Electric Power Co
 9504.T  said on Friday it has obtained approval from the
Kaminoseki town mayor to make a study for the potential
construction of an interim storage facility for used nuclear
fuel on Nagashima island in southwestern Japan.
    Nuclear power is making a gradual return to Japan's energy
mix after the suspension of all reactors following the Fukushima
disaster in 2011. It is also preparing to start releasing water
from the Fukushima plant into the sea, raising concerns among
neighbouring countries.
    Chugoku Electric said it would proceed with a study for the 
storage facility on Nagashima island, without giving details on
the timeline for any possible construction.    
    Nine regional power utilities and wholesaler Japan Atomic
Power Co now have 33 reactors available for commercial use, with
a combined capacity of 33 gigawatts, versus 54 reactors
operating before the Fukushima disaster.
    The 820-megawatt No.2 reactor at Chugoku Electric's Shimane
nuclear power station has been idle since early 2012. 
    

 (Reporting by Katya Golubkova; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
 ((ekaterina.golubkova@thomsonreuters.com;))