Four Japanese operators seek to restart nuclear reactors

Seen as first step in Japan's return to nuclear power.

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority idenfitied the companies as Hokkaido Electric Power Company, Kansai Electric Power, Shikoku Electric Power and Kyushu Electric Power. They have applied to reopen a total of 10 nuclear reactors.

NRA officials, however, said the process of reviewing the facilities to ensure that they meet the country's safety standards would take at least six months.

NRA said there is also no guarantee that they will be allowed to open even if they win its approval. Under tougher new nuclear regulations introduced following the Fukushima disaster, politicians at the regional or national level have the power to block the reopening of any nuclear plant.

Prior to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan relied on nuclear power for about one-third of its electricity needs. The company that ran the Daiichi plant in Fukushima, Tokyo Electric Power Company, has held off submitting an application to restart reactors at its Kashiwazaki Kariwa facility because of opposition from local authorities.