Japan's Nuclear Regulator Orders Investigation into Earthquake Impact on Shika Plant

Despite initial assessments showing intact cooling systems, concerns arise over damage to transformers and potential for ongoing aftershocks.

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority has ordered Hokuriku Electric Power Co., the operator of the Shika nuclear power plant, to investigate the potential impact of the New Year's Day earthquake on the plant.
The Shika plant's cooling systems and ability to contain radiation remained intact after the earthquake, but there were damages to transformers and temporary outages.
Water spilled from the spent fuel pools in both reactors, and transformers in both reactors were damaged and leaked oil.
The Shika reactors have been offline since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, but Hokuriku Electric hopes to restart the No. 2 reactor by 2026.
Japan is gradually reintroducing nuclear power to its energy mix in an effort to reach carbon neutrality goals and reduce imports of liquefied natural gas.