Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) vouched for the safety of Shikoku Electric Power Company Ikata 3 reactor. The safety stamp of approval is just one of three steps required before the NRA gives final approval for the reactor to restart, but it is definitely a move in the right direction. Ikata 3 is located at Shikoku Electric Ikata nuclear power plant, and is only the fifth reactor across three power plants that has gained safety approval from the NRA.
Even so, it is unlikely to be smooth sailing for Shikoku Electric moving forward. It will have to gain the approval of local authorities for the restart, and Ikata 3 will have to undergo operational checks. Furthermore, it is likely that the company will face legal challenges similar to those encountered by Kansai Electric Power Company and Kyushu Electric Power Company, according to Rob Chang of Cantor Fitzgerald.
The former, which owns the Takahama nuclear power plant, saw its plans to restart two reactors at the plant rejected by the courts last month due to safety concerns. That was the first injunction against a nuclear plant in Japan in 50 years. Reactor restarts at the latter Sendai nuclear power plant had similar problems when local residents voiced safety concerns, though ultimately a Japanese court rejected the bid to block the reactors from reopening.
Those opposed to the Ikata 3 reactor will get a chance to voice their concerns now that the NRA has given the safety nod. The process should take place over a one-month period.
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