Japan's Cabinet approves bills to operate nuclear power plants beyond 60 years

Japan's government has approved a set of bills that would allow nuclear power plants to operate beyond their current 60-year limit.

The Cabinet approved revisions to laws including those governing the electricity industry and regulations on nuclear reactors on Tuesday.

The government explained that the move is part of its plan to realize a carbon-neutral society.

Under the new bills, nuclear power plants can remain operational beyond the 60-year cap, excluding the time spent to undergo inspections and testing.

The bills call for equipment and devices to be inspected for deterioration every 10 years or less once a plant has been operating for 30 years.

They say management plans should then be drawn up and approved by the Nuclear Regulation Authority, or NRA.

On February 13, four of the five members of the NRA voted in favor of the new system to respond to the aging reactors. It is extremely rare for the nuclear watchdog to decide on key issues without a unanimous vote.

Therefore, the Cabinet decision was put off until the end of the month to ease public anxiety.

New systems will also be established to promote the use of solar power and other sources of renewable energy. The government will approve construction plans for power cables and accredited businesses will receive subsidies.

The government intends to have the bills enacted in the current session of the Diet. Active debates are expected to take place on the use of nuclear power and energy policies.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230228_12/