July 31, 2013

Monthly Press Conference

Today, President Kawai held a monthly press conference in Aomori City and talked about the "Status of the Vitrification Test", "New Regulation Standards on Nuclear Fuel Facilities by the Nuclear Regulation Authority" and "Current Status of the Geostructural Investigation for the eastern Shimokita Peninsula".

"Status of the Reprocessing Plant"

  • In regard to the vitrification test, JNFL submitted a report to the Nuclear Regulation Authority on July 26, citing the confirmation of the facility's operation safety and performance.
  • Since it has already been confirmed that the vitrification systems were installed as designed, JNFL has long requested for undergoing a pre-operation inspection, which examines the system's processing capacity. However, to our regret, JNFL's request has not been accepted by NRA.
  • JNFL's wish to undergo a pre-operation inspection has not changed. JNFL is convinced that its various initiatives for overcoming challenges through the vitrification tests have helped establish the technology for operating the Reprocessing Plant.
  • Yet, on the other hand, JNFL acknowledges its major responsibility as a nuclear licensee to respond to the new regulation standards, which the draft framework has been announced for introduction / implementation in December.
  • In view of these situations, it seems inevitable that the completion of the Reprocessing Plant, scheduled for October, should be postponed.
  • JNFL is committed to making full preparation so that it can apply for a new schedule as soon as the new standards are released and go into effect in December.

"New Regulation Standards on Nuclear Fuel Facilities by the Nuclear Regulation Authority"

  • The draft outlines of the new regulation standards on nuclear fuel facilities have been drawn up through 14 meetings of the taskforce. NRA has been gathering public comments since July 25.
  • The draft outlines take into account the difference between nuclear power reactors and nuclear fuel cycle facilities. For example, portable equipment rather than permanently-installed equipment is used in principle to address a severe accident at a nuclear fuel cycle facility in view of the speed of such an accident expanding. JNFL believes these provisions are generally in line with the requirement / level of impact on safety.
  • As for the means of achieving regulatory requirements, nuclear licensees are expected to adopt a creative approach in applying initiatives for improving safety, rather than focusing merely on the specifications of specific facilities. From this perspective, JNFL is to continue scrutinizing the draft outlines before submitting its comments.
  • Since immediately after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, JNFL has adopted a range of safety measures including the deployment of triple power supply cars as alternative power supplies. With a view to ensure compliance with the new regulation standards concerning nuclear reactors, promulgated and effectuated in July, JNFL has already placed a purchase order for foam tenders with high tendering capacity, used in firefighting operations at petrochemical plants, as a means of containing large-scale fires and containing the dispersion of radioactive materials.
  • In view of the contents of the draft outlines, JNFL is to proceed with preparation work to achieve compliance even before December where possible, with commitment to ensure full compliance if the new regulation standards become officially released and effectuated.

"Current Status of the Geostructural Investigation for the eastern Shimokita Peninsula"

  • JNFL is currently working with Tohoku Electric Power Company, Tokyo Electric Power Company and Recyclable - Fuel Storage Company to investigate the geological structure of the eastern Shimokita Peninsula.
  • Surveys including marine sonic prospecting have already been completed, and the companies are now sorting and compiling data.
  • The results of the investigation are assessed by a third-party committee of experts in crustal structures and marine geology. Broad-based opinions and advice are being gathered to ensure an objective viewpoint.
  • In addition, JNFL is conducting surveys on faults near the plant site as well as trench surveys within the site to further expand available data.
  • The results of the investigation are to be compiled and assessed before the promulgation and effectuation of the new regulation standards.