Japan on Track to Start 3rd Nuclear Reactor Under New Rules
- Ehime prefecture governor allows start of 890-megawatt unit
- Shikoku Electric's reactor would be Japan's third in operation
Ikata Nuclear Power Plant.
Photographer: The Asahi Shimbun/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Shikoku Electric Power Co. received final local approval for restarting its Ikata No. 3 nuclear power plant, putting the reactor on track to become the third to restart under new safety rules after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Tokihiro Nakamura, governor of Ehime Prefecture, granted his approval for the restart of the reactor during a meeting with Shikoku Electric President Hayato Saeki on Monday, according to a statement from the power utility. While not enshrined in law, local government approval is traditionally sought by Japanese utilities before they return the plants to service.