Japan Rejects Tsuruga No. 2 Reactor Restart

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has officially disqualified the Tsuruga No. 2 reactor from restarting, marking the first rejection under post-Fukushima safety standards. The decision stems from concerns over possible active fault lines beneath the reactor, which the operator, Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC), failed to adequately address. NRA Chairperson Shinsuke Yamanaka emphasized the rigorous examination process, labeling the case as 'abnormal' due to numerous inaccuracies and oversights by JAPC during the safety reviews, which have spanned over eight years. This ruling is a significant setback for Japan's nuclear energy ambitions as it seeks to maximize reactor restarts to ensure a stable energy supply. JAPC has expressed disappointment and intends to reapply for a safety review, but must meet stringent safety criteria moving forward. The ruling comes as Japan continues to navigate its energy strategy in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima disaster.