Kansai Electric Power has announced it will begin preliminary surveys for the development of a new nuclear reactor at its Mihama power station in Fukui Prefecture, located in western Japan.
This marks the country’s first tangible step towards constructing a new reactor since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The decision underscores Japan’s renewed push to bolster its energy security by leaning more on nuclear power amid continued reliance on fossil fuel imports.
Kansai Electric currently leads the nation in nuclear operations, with the highest number of active reactors.
According to the utility, the planned surveys will examine the site’s topography, geological features, and other critical environmental factors.
Engagement with the local community will also be an essential part of the process.
“Given overall cost performance, plant operation, and compliance with new regulations, we consider the SRZ-1200 advanced light water reactor the most realistic option,” said Hiroaki Kitaura, chief manager of Kansai Electric’s nuclear power division, during a briefing.
The SRZ-1200 reactor is being co-developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in partnership with four electric utilities, including Kansai Electric and Hokkaido Electric Power.
While the company did not provide an estimate for construction costs, Kitaura noted that the project would be financed through a mix of bonds, loans, and other funding channels, with no current plans to issue equity.
Kansai Electric had originally started evaluating a replacement for the Mihama No.1 reactor in 2010, but halted the process following the Fukushima crisis.
The No.1 and No.2 reactors at the Mihama plant were officially decommissioned in 2015.
“With a significant loss of nuclear power supply expected, it is necessary to rebuild with next-generation reactors, based on the premise of ensuring safety and gaining local understanding, to secure decarbonised power sources,” said Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto on Tuesday.
Japan currently has over a dozen operational reactors, collectively generating about 12 gigawatts.
Many are undergoing re-licensing to comply with the stricter safety regulations implemented after 2011. Before the Fukushima incident, Japan had 54 reactors in operation.
