January 29, 2016

1. On January 29, 2016, Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. reported to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry that they had started up the Unit 3 reactor at Takahama Nuclear Power Station at 5:00 p.m.
2. The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has confirmed that the power station conforms to the new regulatory requirements, which are among the strictest in the world, and the power station has gained the local community’s understanding, which has led to the startup of the reactor. This is an essential step toward the establishment of a well-balanced energy mix and a more stable electric power supply.
3. As the power station uses MOX fuel, the startup of this reactor is very significant from the perspective of the promotion of plutonium-thermal power generation, and consequently, the promotion of the formation of a nuclear fuel cycle.
4. Takahama Nuclear Power Station Unit 3 is still in the process of inspection. We expect not only that Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. will ensure that safety is the highest priority, but also that inspections will continue to be strictly conducted by the Nuclear Regulation Authority.

Office for Nuclear Technology, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy