Safety costs for nuclear plants in Japan now stand at 6T yen

The safety costs for nuclear power plants in Japan have reached over 6 trillion yen (approximately $41 billion) as utilities invest in anti-terrorism and safety measures following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. This figure, reported by The Asahi Shimbun, reflects the financial burden on the nation's 11 utilities, which has diminished the cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy. The costs have escalated due to revised regulatory standards that require enhanced safety protocols against earthquakes, tsunamis, and terrorist threats. Notably, Chugoku Electric Power Co. and Hokkaido Electric Power Co. have seen significant increases in their safety expenditures. For instance, Chugoku Electric's costs rose by 220 billion yen to 900 billion yen as it prepares to restart its Shimane nuclear plant. Hokkaido Electric invested 261.8 billion yen to build a coastal levee at its Tomari plant. The average safety cost per reactor is estimated at around 200 billion yen, but some reactors, like those at the Shimane plant, may incur costs exceeding 300 billion yen due to stringent safety requirements. Experts warn that the rising costs could further undermine the competitiveness of nuclear power in Japan.

- Safety costs for Japan's nuclear plants exceed 6 trillion yen.

- Increased expenditures are due to enhanced safety measures post-Fukushima.

- Chugoku Electric and Hokkaido Electric report significant cost increases.

- Average safety costs per reactor are around 200 billion yen.

- Rising costs may impact the competitiveness of nuclear energy in Japan.