Japan's Nuclear Regulator Halts Review of Chubu Electric Plant Amid Seismic Data Scandal
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Japan's nuclear watchdog has taken a drastic step to address a serious scandal involving Chubu Electric Power. The regulator has ordered the utility to submit a detailed report on falsified seismic data used in the review of its Hamaoka plant and has paused the review process pending the report. This move comes after the regulator warned of severe consequences, including scrapping the review altogether, following revelations of data tampering. The Hamaoka plant, located in Shizuoka prefecture, has been at the center of controversy. Chubu Electric had applied to restart its No. 3 and No. 4 reactors over a decade ago, with some experts predicting a possible resumption by 2030. The utility had estimated that restarting the plant would save around 260 billion yen a year in power procurement costs. The regulator's decision has significant implications for Japan's nuclear power sector. The country has restarted 14 of its 33 operable reactors since the Fukushima disaster in 2011, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi backing nuclear restarts to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, which account for around 60-70% of Japan's electricity generation. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety and credibility of Japan's nuclear power plants. The regulator's move to pause the review process and conduct on-site inspections is a significant step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring the integrity of the review process.
