A planned project by Kansai Electric Power Co. to use recycled plutonium to fuel nuclear reactors in Takahama, Fukui Prefecture, assures nuclear safety, a government panel on nuclear safety concluded Monday.
After approving the plan, the Nuclear Safety Commission submitted its report to International Trade and Industry Minister Kaoru Yosano on the same day.
The plan involves the use of mixed-oxide fuel, or MOX, which has drawn controversy over safety issues. Kansai Electric Power hopes to begin using recycled plutonium at the Takahama No. 4 reactor in spring and at the No. 3 reactor by 2000.