The Nuclear Regulation Authority determined Wednesday that a reactor at Japan Atomic Power Co.'s Tsuruga nuclear plant on the Sea of Japan coast in Fukui Prefecture sits directly above an active geological fault — which may force the unit to be shut down permanently.
The NRA's decision-making panel approved a report compiled by experts saying that at least one of the faults running under the No. 2 reactor, including one fault called "D-1," could move in the future.
Despite the report, Japan Atomic Power is expected to apply for an NRA safety screening, which is required to resume operations of the reactor.