Restart Plan for Unit 3 of Japan's Tomari Nuclear Power Plant May Face Uncertainty Due to Supplementary Review and Accident

Hokkaido Electric Power Co.'s Unit 3 of the Tomari Nuclear Power Plant was originally scheduled to restart in 2027, but the plan may face uncertainty due to additional review items and a fatal accident at the construction site.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) announced on August 20 that it will hold a supplementary review meeting on September 3 to deliberate on the approval of construction plans related to the restart of Unit 3 at the Tomari Nuclear Power Plant. This review requires new confirmation of fire safety measures. Hokkaido Electric Power stated that it will explain the construction plans at the September meeting and continue to work toward the 2027 restart target.

Additionally, a fatal accident occurred during the seawall construction at the Tomari Nuclear Power Plant. A male worker fell from a height and was confirmed to have died from cerebral contusion. At the time of the accident, the worker was wearing a safety helmet, but the investigation concluded that he sustained a strong impact before falling, resulting in a skull fracture.

Due to the accident, the relevant seawall work is currently not in a condition to resume construction. This incident may impact the subsequent restart preparation work for Unit 3 of the Tomari Nuclear Power Plant.