Fuel Rods Reloaded

Kyushu Electric Power Company started reloading nuclear fuel rods in the First Unit of Sendai Nuclear Power Plant on Tuesday. It was the first attempt for resuming nuclear power generation after the strict regulation had been applied to all the nuclear power plants in Japan two years ago. While the plant is supposed to resume its operation mid-August, basic concern on safety of nuclear power generation is left behind.

Kyushu Electric Power Company is setting one hundred fifty-seven fuel rods into the rector within four days. After loading them, the company will have practice for emergency and repeat tests for the facility. Restarting date the reactor is set to be August 10^th and it will begin to generate electricity three days later. The Second Unit of Sendai is planned to resume in October.

Receiving a request for resumption of Sendai Plant from Kyushu Electric Power Company, Nuclear Regulation Authority issued “judgment,” which admitted fulfillment of regulative requirements in two units in Sendai last September. Leading all other nuclear plants in Japan, Sendai received two approvals needed for resumption in May and passed the exam.

Shinzo Abe administration has been promoting resumption of nuclear power generation for encouraging economic growth. Worrying about negative impacts from decline of Abenomics, the administration is more dependent on nuclear power as main engine of Japan economy. “We promote resumption of nuclear power generation with approval from Nuclear Regulation Authority,” told Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga. Chairman of Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, Sadayuki Sakakibara, also welcomed long-awaited resumption of Sendai plant.

However, there is no change in the situation that Sendai Plant is surrounded by active calderas. There is a record that a pyroclastic flow has reached the place where the plant is located. Most experts on volcanic study warn the uncertainty in prediction of volcanic eruption. People around the plant have fundamental concern on evacuation plan in emergency. Most people within thirty kilometers from the plant will have to stay home, if nuclear accident occurs.

Before stepping into resumption of nuclear power generation in Japan, the government has to completely remove the concern among the people. Most people in Japan know that there is no place to stock nuclear waste in Japan. Political leaders need to show a whole vision to deal with nuclear power viable enough for the future.