Activities for Long Term Operation - Special Inspection and Technical Evaluation of Ageing Degradation

In 2016, Kansai Electric Power's Takahama units 1 and 2 and Mihama unit 3 obtained approval for extending their operational periods beyond 40 years by 20 years. To obtain the approval, Kansai Electric Power performed special inspections of reactor vessels and other important components as well as technical evaluation of components and structures for potential ageing degradation according to the Reactor Regulation Act amended following the Fukushima Daiichi accident. As a result, it was confirmed that the integrity of these plants can be assured even if a 60-year operational period was assumed. In future, it is essential for the plants to pursue maintenance management activities in a steady manner, including additional maintenance measures established considering the results of the technical evaluation. At the same time, Kansai Electric Power will exert all efforts to achieve safe and stable operation of its plants having extended operational periods by actively participating in joint research projects with overseas organizations and utilizing the latest knowledge, including I-GALL. (author)