20 Feb (NucNet): Stress tests carried out as a result of the Fukushima-Daiichi accident show units 3 and 4 at the Ohi nuclear plant (pictured) would not be damaged by a tsunami 9.5 metres higher and an earthquake 80 percent more powerful than allowed for in the original design basis, Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) has said.
In a report published following stress tests on the two pressurised water reactor units, NISA said safety of the units would not be compromised by “severe conditions”, including damaged roads, debris, and problems assembling workers, especially during the night.
According to the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF), NISA reported its conclusions at an extraordinary meeting of Japan’s Nuclear Safety Commission. It was the first such presentation by NISA to the NSC, and the first step towards restarting Ohi-3 and -4.
Both units, operated by Kansai Electric Power Company, have been offline and cannot be restarted until they have passed stress tests based on the European model.
The four-unit Ohi nuclear plant is on Japan's southwest coast, in Fukui Prefecture.
