Overview
- The Otsu District Court on Dec. 25 dismissed a 12-year lawsuit by 45 Shiga residents seeking to stop operations at Oi 3–4, Takahama 1–4 and Mihama 3.
- Presiding Judge Shosuke Ikeda said the court could not recognize safety deficiencies, rejecting claims about ground amplification, proximity to active faults, aging risks and evacuation planning.
- The ruling concluded that no accident-level deterioration was shown and that the plants’ safety indicators and investigations were acceptable.
- Plaintiffs condemned the decision as undue deference to Kansai Electric and the Nuclear Regulation Authority, protested outside the court and said they will appeal.
- Kansai Electric welcomed the ruling and vowed continued focus on safety and reliability, while Shiga officials called for rigorous measures and clear communication, with residents citing risks to Lake Biwa.