25 Jan (NucNet): Japan’s regulatory body for nuclear and radiation safety has demonstrated independence and transparency since it was set up in 2012, but needs to further strengthen its technical competence in light of the planned restart of nuclear reactors following the March 2011 Fukushima-Daiichi accident, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said.
The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team on Friday concluded a 12-day mission to assess Japan’s regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety, which was modified following the Fukushima-Daiichi accident. The modifications included the establishment of the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) in September 2012.
The IAEA team – made up of 19 experts from 17 countries and five IAEA staff – warned of “significant challenges” ahead and called on the NRA to work to attract competent and experienced staff, and improve staff skills.
The team said Japanese authorities should amend legislation to allow the NRA to perform more effective inspections of nuclear and radiation facilities.
The NRA and all the organisations it regulates should continue to strengthen the promotion of safety culture, including by fostering “a questioning attitude”, the team said.
The team praised Japan for swiftly establishing a legal and governmental framework that supports a new independent and transparent regulatory body with increased powers.
It also said the NRA had incorporated lessons learnt from Fukushima-Daiichi in the areas of natural hazards, severe accident management, emergency preparedness and safety upgrades of existing facilities, into Japan’s new regulatory framework.
“In the few years since its establishment, the NRA has demonstrated its independence and transparency,” said team leader Philippe Jamet, commissioner of the French Nuclear Safety Authority. “It has established new regulatory requirements for nuclear installations and reviewed the first restart applications by utilities. This intensive and impressive work must continue with equal commitment, as there are still significant challenges in the years to come.”
The IAEA said IRRS missions are designed to strengthen the effectiveness of the national nuclear regulatory infrastructure, while recognising the responsibility of each state to ensure nuclear safety.
Before being halted following the Fukushima-Daiichi accident, Japan’s nuclear power reactors produced about 30 percent of the country’s electricity generation, the IAEA said. Two reactors were restarted in 2015 with NRA authorisation, and the NRA is reviewing other restart applications using the new requirements. The country also has fuel cycle facilities, research reactors and widely uses nuclear applications in other fields.
The IAEA team reviewed the responsibilities and functions of the government and the regulatory body for safety, the authorisation of nuclear and radiation facilities and activities, safety assessments, inspections of nuclear facilities, emergency preparedness and response, and several other areas in the field of nuclear and radiation safety.
The team met NRA staff, observed regulatory activities including inspections, and visited nuclear-related sites. They also met with other Japanese officials, the IAEA said.
Juan Carlos Lentijo, IAEA deputy director-general and head of the department for safety and security, said Japan has reformed its regulatory system with “impressive speed and effectiveness” following the Fukushima-Daiichi accident.
“Today, the system provides for clearer responsibilities and greater authority to the regulatory body,” he said. “The NRA is on a good path to continue this crucial progress in the future. Its work must continue to ensure that the new regulatory system is applied fully to all facilities and activities.”
All of Japan’s 48 commercial reactor units were shut down for safety checks and upgrades following Fukushima-Daiichi. Five reactors have been earmarked for permanent shutdown, bringing the number of potentially operable commercial units in the country to 43.
In May 2015 Japan’s government said it wanted to see a 20-22 percent nuclear share in the country’s energy mix by 2030, down from about 30 percent before Fukushima-Daiichi.
