Reuters AlertNet Lite - Japan trade minister sees no more nuclear closures

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Japan trade minister sees no more nuclear closures

06 Apr 2007 06:54:13 GMT
Source: Reuters

TOKYO, April 6 (Reuters) - Japan's government is unlikely to order utilities to shut more nuclear power plants, the country's trade minister said on Friday, despite recent safety scandals that have knocked the industry's reputation.

The move will offset worries that further shutdowns could drive up electricity prices and lead to more oil demand for electricity generation.

"Technically, a shutdown order should be issued to units that are considered as not maintaining operational safety," said trade minister Akira Amari.

"I do not think there are any cases among them that can be the subject of it (a shutdown order)."

The government has already ordered Hokuriku Electric Power Co. <9505.T> to shut its Shika facility for inspections. The company, along with Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501.T>, had failed to report incidents of "criticality", or unintended self-sustaining nuclear fission.

Besides the 450 cases of unreported nuclear safety data, 12 utilities found more than 10,000 past data lapses at thermal- and hydro-power plants, according to industry group Federation of Electric Power Companies.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry had ordered companies to clear up their past data in a process that the government said would improve operational safety and public confidence in the country's nuclear industry.

Amari said in March the government would tighten regulations that govern nuclear power plant operations to require utilities to report all incidents involving the mishandling of nuclear fuel rods. However, activists said the government standards are too soft.

Resource-poor Japan maintains its policy to boost nuclear power generation to supply 40 percent of its electricity needs by 2030, from about 30 percent now.

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Last updated:Fri Apr 6 06:55:42 2007