Kansai Electric to Assess Fukui Prefecture Location for Potential New Nuclear Power Plant
Kansai Electric to Resume Surveys for Potential New Nuclear Reactor in Japan
Kansai Electric Power Co. is set to resume geological and topographical surveys for a potential new nuclear reactor at its Mihama power plant in Fukui Prefecture, marking the first concrete move towards constructing a new reactor in Japan since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The surveys, which will assess the site-specific conditions necessary to build the new reactor, had been suspended after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The company aims to comprehensively assess the development status of new reactor models and the business environment in terms of making investments, among other factors, before making a decision.
The proposed new reactor is part of Kansai Electric's overall plan and, if the survey results support the construction, the company will apply for approval from the Nuclear Regulation Authority to move forward with the project. The surveys are being conducted as part of Kansai Electric's plan to apply for approval from the Nuclear Regulation Authority to build a next-generation nuclear reactor, such as an innovative light-water reactor.
Mihama plant currently has three reactors; Units 1 and 2 are set for decommissioning, while Unit 3 remains operational but will reach 50 years of operation next year. The new reactor would replace the decommissioned units.
The Japanese government updated its Basic Energy Plan in February 2025, explicitly supporting the use of nuclear power to provide about 20% of the country’s electricity by 2040 and encouraging new reactor construction at existing sites like Mihama.
Kansai Electric has expressed intent to engage and explain plans to local residents, acknowledging persistent opposition to new nuclear reactors in Japan. The company's President, Nozomu Mori, announced plans to swiftly begin topographical and geological surveys in Mihama, Fukui Prefecture, for a potential new nuclear reactor. Kansai Electric will explain the outline of the surveys to the people of Mihama.
The nuclear accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.'s Fukushima No. 1 power plant occurred mainly in the Tohoku northeastern region of Japan in March 2011. The disaster is considered one of the world's worst nuclear accidents. However, Kansai Electric Power Co. is confident in the safety measures they have put in place to ensure the new reactor will be built with the utmost safety and precautions.
If the survey results indicate that construction is viable, Kansai Electric is expected to submit an application to Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority and proceed with related regulatory and construction steps. The company is in the early stages of moving this significant project forward after a long post-Fukushima hiatus.
- Kansai Electric will evaluate the financial viability of the new reactor project by examining the business environment and potential investments in the energy industry.
- The geological and topographical surveys will assess the environmental conditions necessary for the safe construction of the new nuclear reactor.
- In order to generate funds for the construction of the new reactor, Kansai Electric may seek financing from various financial institutions who are interested in supporting the nuclear power industry.
