A nuclear reactor located in northeastern Japan was unexpectedly halted on Monday for comprehensive safety checks, according to statements from the plant operator. This pause occurs just days after the reactor made history by becoming the first to restart in the region since the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that struck in 2011.
Tohoku Electric Power Co is currently encountering challenges in deploying a specialized device intended to thoroughly assess the condition of the No. 2 reactor at the Onagawa plant, situated in Miyagi Prefecture. This difficulty complicates the plant’s efforts to ensure the reactor’s safe operation.
The restart of the Onagawa reactor last Tuesday marked a significant milestone, as it joined approximately a dozen other reactors across the country that have been successfully rebooted following compliance with the rigorous safety standards established in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. This tragic crisis was precipitated by the devastating tsunami and earthquake that inflicted severe damage on the coastal communities, including Miyagi Prefecture.
The Onagawa reactor’s restart was particularly noteworthy, as it was the first instance in Japan of a boiling water reactor — the same type as those at the infamous Fukushima Daiichi facility that experienced catastrophic fuel meltdowns — coming back online since the disaster unfolded more than a decade ago.
The Onagawa plant itself is geographically significant, positioned nearest to the epicenter of the harrowing magnitude 9.0 earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011, and subsequently battered by tsunami waves that reached an astounding height of around 13 meters.
The No. 2 reactor successfully cleared all necessary safety screenings as early as February 2020 and has since garnered local approval to proceed with its operational resumption. In contrast, plans are in place for the decommissioning of the No. 1 unit of the plant.
**Interview with Nuclear Safety Expert, Dr. Hiroshi Takeda**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Takeda. The Onagawa Nuclear Plant’s reactor recently resumed operations, marking a significant milestone as the first boiling water reactor to restart in Japan since the Fukushima disaster. What are your thoughts on the current safety measures being implemented, such as the seawall constructed at 29 meters above sea level?
**Dr. Takeda:** It’s certainly a crucial step in addressing the concerns over tsunami risk, especially given the plant’s proximity to the earthquake’s epicenter. Building a seawall brings an additional layer of protection, but it’s important to remember that no safety measure is foolproof.
**Editor:** The plant operator, Tohoku Electric, faced some challenges with specialized equipment for safety checks after the reactor’s restart. How critical do you think these comprehensive safety checks are before operating a reactor that has been offline for more than a decade?
**Dr. Takeda:** Thorough safety checks are absolutely essential. The fact that they are experiencing difficulties with this specialized device raises questions about the plant’s readiness. It’s vital for public trust that these measures are as rigorous as possible.
**Editor:** As we look at the broader context, some argue that restarting nuclear reactors is essential for Japan’s energy independence, while others fear the potential risks associated with nuclear energy in a seismically active region. Where do you stand on this debate?
**Dr. Takeda:** This is indeed a contentious issue. On one hand, nuclear energy can provide reliable power and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. On the other hand, the lessons from Fukushima still resonate deeply. We must ask ourselves: is the potential for accidents worth the benefits of nuclear energy, especially in a country with such geological vulnerabilities?
**Editor:** That’s a compelling point, Dr. Takeda. To our readers, how do you weigh the need for energy independence against the risks posed by nuclear plants, especially in a region susceptible to natural disasters? We invite you to share your thoughts and join the debate.
