Overview

• Kansai Electric Power Co resumed geological and technical surveys at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant to explore its first domestic reactor construction since 2011.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ SRZ-1200 was selected as the leading design candidate for the proposed new unit.
• The survey phase is expected to span several years with no fixed start date for construction.
• Trade Minister Yoji Muto said Tokyo will back measures to encourage investment and strengthen Japan’s nuclear supply chain.
• Public opinion has grown more favorable toward atomic energy as the nation seeks to secure carbon-free electricity amid rising AI-related demand.