TEPCO to Mull Scrapping 2 Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Reactors

Niigata, Oct. 16 (Jiji Press)–Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. President Tomoaki Kobayakawa said Thursday that the company will consider decommissioning the No. 1 and No. 2 reactors at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power station in the central Japan prefecture of Niigata as the firm aims to restart the plant’s No. 6 reactor. “From the perspective of ensuring the plant’s safe operations, we will specifically consider decommissioning the No. 1 and No. 2 reactors,” Kobayakawa told a committee meeting of the Niigata prefectural assembly. The president also showed a plan to contribute about 100 billion yen to support the creation of new businesses and jobs in the prefecture. The No. 1 and No. 2 reactors started operations 40 and 35 years ago, respectively. A final decision on whether to decommission them will be made about 18 months after the planned restart of the No. 6 reactor, Kobayakawa said, noting that time is needed to confirm the effects of the resumption. Decommissioning costs are estimated at 82.3 billion yen for the No. 1 reactor and 73.5 billion yen for the No. 2 reactor. Kobayakawa sought understanding for bringing the No. 6 reactor back online, underscoring its safety and the company’s resolve to make contributions to local communities. The restart of the reactor requires consent from Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi, which has yet to be given. A plan has been floated for the prefectural government to set up a foundation to accept TEPCO’s envisaged financial contribution. Kobayakawa explained that the amount of funds the company will provide is planned be decided according to the sum of thermal power generation costs to be saved after the restart of the No. 6 reactor. TEPCO plans to make such contribution for about 10 years on the assumption that it can cut 100 billion yen in fuel costs annually. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]