TEPCO’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station, which consists of seven units of nuclear power reactor, is said to be the largest power station in the world in terms of the rating of net electric power generation. All nuclear reactors have been shut down due to the strengthening of security regulations after the accident of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station which occurred on March 11, 2011.
Even though the reactors are not in operation at the moment, we should still stay alert not to cause any accident whatsoever. All necessary measures should be taken to secure the safety of the neighboring regions and the residents, and moreover, to prevent disasters and to enable the residents to safely evacuate in case an accident should occur.
The staff gave me a thorough explanation of the facility including the reactor, and I observed the trainees’ on-the-job training on the operations of the Nuclear Power Station. I also observed how the staff’s duties are assigned in case an accident occurs. In addition, I visited a general hospital, an off-site center, and a community center, all located outside the Nuclear Power Station. I could see there was an intense cooperation between the local governments and the Nuclear Power Station. I could see that the local governments have a very strong will to protect their security from the nuclear power’s adverse effects, and the Nuclear Power Station is making utmost efforts to respond to it. I also thought that the residents’ evacuation during the heavy snow season would be a crucial issue to be solved. I frankly expressed these opinions at the press conference.
