Efforts in nuclear power development in Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc

In the Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc., the first commercial nuclear power plant (Mihama unit 1 of 340 MW PWR) in private enterprises started operation in November, 1970. Currently, with the start of operation of Oi units 1 and 2, the nuclear power capacity of Kansai Electric Power Co. is 5668 MW (all by PWRs), accounting for 24 % of its total power generation. Takahama units 3 and 4 (each of 870 MW PWR) are now under construction. By fiscal 1991, the nuclear power capacity of Kansai Electric Power Co. will be raised to 31 % of its power generation. However, the course of nuclear power generation so far has been with frequent troubles such as leakage. The operation is now significantly improved such as continuous plant operation close to 400 days and planned construction period up to about 50 months. The efforts of Kansai Electric Power Co. on nuclear power development are described about the course taken, the present situation and the future problems. (Mori, K.)