The government is considering combining five bills into one in order to extend the life span of nuclear power plants beyond the current limit of 60 years.
The bill is intended to amend the Atomic Energy Basic Law, which defines the basis of the nation's nuclear energy policy, and is part of government efforts to achieve a decarbonized society and establish a stable electricity supply.
The package is expected to be submitted to the ordinary Diet session scheduled to convene on January 23.
The bills are about ensuring the safety of nuclear power, promoting the decommissioning of reactors, and introducing renewable energy sources as much as possible.
The Electricity Business Law, the Law on Nuclear Source Material, Nuclear Fuel Material and Reactors, the Law on Special Measures Concerning Procurement of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources by Electricity Utilities and the Spent Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Fund Law are all covered in addition to the Atomic Energy Basic Law.
The contribution to green transformation amid decarbonization efforts is a major factor behind the use of nuclear energy, according to the revised legislation.
The reactor regulation law states that the operation period of nuclear power plants is currently set. Under the revised legislation, it would be said in the Electricity Business Law.
The operation period will be extended beyond 40 years upon approval by the economy, trade and industry ministers, dependent on safety confirmation by the Nuclear Regulation Authority NRA. The extension period will be extended to 20 years, not counting the time when reactors are idle due to NRA safety inspections and provisional suspension orders.
The safety regulations for aging reactors will be included in the reactor regulation law.
If hazard assessments are conducted and long-term facility management plans are completed within a designated timeframe, the NRA will approve an extension for reactors that have been in operation for at least 30 years.
The Nuclear Reprocessing Organization of Japan, a government-authorized corporation responsible for nuclear fuel cycle operations, and electric power companies will be required to cover the cost of decommissioning work under the revised legislation.