Extension of Period of Shutdown of Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station Reactor No. 5

Chubu Electric has extended the period of shutdown of Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station Reactor No. 5 (boiling water reactor; rated electric output 1,267 MW), which is undergoing a periodic inspection. The reactor was initially scheduled to be shut down until the end of July.

Seismic records from the Suruga Bay earthquake that occurred on August 11 of last year showed stronger tremors at Reactor No. 5 than at other reactors, and based on the advice of a government Working Group^*1, we are proceeding with an analysis of the seismograph records and survey data concerning the characteristics of the subterranean structures underneath the reactor.

Yesterday (July 28), we reported to a meeting of the government Working Group concerning the status of our inspections of Reactor No. 5 to date, including the analyses mentioned above, and our study of the effect of the Suruga Bay earthquake on the seismic safety of Reactor No. 5.

The Working Group which met yesterday decided that the results of our evaluations of equipment that is important to seismic design, part of our study of the effect of the Suruga Bay earthquake on the seismic safety of Reactor No. 5, should be examined by a separate Working Group^*2 made up of specialists in this field. Looking towards the resumption of operation of Reactor No. 5, Chubu Electric will continue to provide explanations of the details of our reports to these government Working Groups to local residents.  We expect this process to continue for a period of approximately two months.

In future, placing our highest priority on facility safety, we will continue to strive to make Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station a facility that earns the trust of local residents.

*1  The government Working Group refers to the Joint Working Group on Earthquake, Tsunami, Geology, and Ground Foundation under the Seismic and Structural Design Subcommittee, Nuclear and Industrial Safety Subcommittee, Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy.  

*2  This separate Working Group will be the Structural Working Group under the Seismic and Structural Design Subcommittee, Nuclear and Industrial Safety Subcommittee, Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy.