Japan to allow reactors to operate up to 60 years

Japan will allow nuclear reactors to operate for up to 60 years according to it revised regulations on power plant operators.

The move  marks the first time Japan will set a limit on a reactor's maximum lifespan, reports Reuters. It comes while the country debates a new energy strategy that is expected to give a greater role to renewable, clean energy sources.

The government said it aims to introduce the 60-year limit a year from now as part of a comprehensive revision of laws regulating nuclear plant operators in the wake of Fukushima.

Stress tests are now being carried out on reactors to reassure the public and persuade local governments to allow them to be restarted.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura told reporters details are still under consideration but the lifespan of a reactor would in principle be 40 years, as suggested by Environment and Nuclear Accident Prevention Minister Goshi Hosono earlier this month.

The government will allow plant operators to apply for one extension of up to 20 years for each reactor, in line with U.S. standards, and approval would only be granted if certain conditions were met.

"There will be no change in the fact that the number of reactors will decline, as will Japan's reliance on them. But we're not talking about the immediate future," Fujimura said at a news conference.

Under the current system, plant operators can apply for an extension after 30 years and are usually granted 10-year extensions with no limit on how often they reapply as long as the nuclear watchdog approves.

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Tags: reactor lifespan, Fukushima disaster, nuclear power plants, nuclear policy