The Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute submitted documents Friday to the city of Tsuruga and Fukui Prefecture requesting approval of safety inspections for renovations to the Monju fast-breeder reactor.
Based in Tsuruga, the prototype reactor has been shut down since a sodium leak and ensuing fire on Dec. 8, 1995.
Although local authorities had so far refused to approve any procedures that might lead to the reopening of Monju, they accepted the documents from the reactor's operators Friday.
Fukui Gov. Yukio Kurita is likely to monitor sentiment in the prefectural assembly, which is currently in session, before deciding whether to approve the safety inspections.