Japan Extends Deadline for Mandatory Anti-Terrorism Facility Installation at Nuclear Power Plants

The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) of Japan formally decided at its regular meeting on August 26 to revise relevant regulations, extending the deadline for the mandatory installation of anti-terrorism facilities at nuclear power plants. The revised system is expected to be implemented in September.

Under Japan's current regulatory requirements, nuclear power plants must be equipped with "specified severe accident response facilities" to address serious accidents that could potentially be triggered by extreme scenarios such as terrorist attacks. This revision shifts the starting point of the 5-year grace period from the date of approval of the detailed design and construction plan for the nuclear power plant to the date the plant officially commences commercial operation. This adjustment effectively relaxes the installation deadline requirements.

The new rules will apply to nuclear power units that have not yet reached their installation deadlines. Unit 2 of the Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant operated by Tohoku Electric Power, located in Miyagi Prefecture, was originally required to complete the installation of relevant facilities by December this year; following the rule revision, its installation deadline will be extended to December 2029. Tohoku Electric Power has previously stated that the unit plans to continue operation beyond December.

According to available information, 12 nuclear power units across Japan have completed the installation of relevant anti-terrorism facilities, of which only Unit 4 of the Oi Nuclear Power Plant operated by Kansai Electric Power completed installation before its original deadline. The NRA stated that this revision is an adjustment based on actual implementation conditions.

The NRA published the draft revision in June and solicited public comments. A total of 152 comments were received between June and July, with the majority opposing the revision. Key opinions included "necessary facilities should be completed before operation commences" and "regulatory authorities should not accommodate the specific circumstances of power companies." The final adopted revision was made without adjustments.