Reversal allows Takahama nuclear plant to restart reactors

The Fukui District Court reversed an earlier decision late last week that prevented the resumption of operations at Takahama Nuclear Power Station Units 3 and 4 late last week in Takahama, Japan.

Operating firm Kansai Electric Power Co. said the decision came with a similar reversal concerning Units 3 and 4 at the Oi Nuclear Power Station in Oi, Japan. The company said these court reversals are a result of the court’s recognition of the safety measures in place at both nuclear plants.

The ruling against Takahama was issued in April. An editorial from the Yomiuri Shimbun and reprinted in the Chicago Tribune said fuel loading at Takahama's Unit 3 had begun after the decision came down and that the company said both reactors are expected to return to full operation by February 2016.

The editorial also said that in February 2015, both reactors passed an inspection using standards that were implemented in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.

In the company’s announcement, Kansai said it plans to carry out safety improvements at all nuclear power plants under its ownership on an independent basis and to ensure that operations are resumed safely.