The Takahama reactors, operated by Kansai Electric Power, have been approved for operation by the Japan nuclear watchdog. However, despite the approval injunction that was issued in April following concerns from locals that the reactors could not withstand strong earthquakes, the BBC reported. However, speaking on the lifting of the injunction, the Fukui District Court presiding judge, Jun Hayashi commented that the content of the new safety standards (for restarting reactors) is rational, and there was nothing illogical about the decision by the Nuclear Regulation Authority when it said the reactors had met those standards. Strengthened construction against earthquakes (at the reactors) has been carried out and there is no recognition that there is a specific danger to the lives of surrounding residents.
With the injunction now lifted, Takahama reactors Number 3 and Number 4 will be able to resume operations. This decision minimizes the delay for the Takahama reactors, which had been set for restart late this year.
Indeed, with the injunction now lifted, Kansai plans to move forward with loading fuel rods into the Number 3 reactor within days, before proceeding with safety checks. The utility is planning to put the reactor online in late January, 2016.
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