Only 10 of the nation's 54 nuclear reactors remain in service after Kansai Electric Power Co. closed the No. 2 reactor at its Takahama plant in Fukui Prefecture for an inspection late Friday evening.
Although Kansai Electric expects the regular inspection to be completed in about four months, it remains uncertain when it will be able to restart the reactor, as the duration of the government's stress tests to evaluate its safety has yet to be determined.
In addition, the Fukui Prefectural Government does not intend to approve the reactor's resumption based solely on the outcome of the safety evaluation, even if the tests give the reactor the all-clear.
Local officials are mindful of the public's concerns over the safety of nuclear energy in light of the triple meltdowns at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, which is operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co.
In December, Kansai Electric will idle the No. 2 reactors at its Oi and Mihama plants, both in Fukui Prefecture, for regular checks. When the No. 3 reactor at the Takahama plant is shut for inspection in February, all of the utility's 11 reactors will be out of service.