15/01/2014 15:00
Japan adopts new Fukushima revival plan
Japanese authorities approved a revival plan for the utility responsible for the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) in its second attempt at restoring its battered finances, Reuters reports. According to the new plan, TEPCO will use Kashiwazaki Kariwa nuclear plant to cut fossil fuel costs, a contentious undertaking staunchly opposed by the local governor, the Voice of Russia says.
"As for the restart of Kashiwazaki Kariwa ... this is simply an assumption built into the financial plan," industry minister Toshimitsu Motegi said as he gave formal approval of the plan to Tepco President Naomi Hirose.
The previous revival plan revolved around a Kashiwazaki restart in early 2013. The new plan envisages a restart of two reactors at the station in July.
As Motegi noted, it’s a national priority to provide all the compensations for all the victims of the nuclear disaster.
"Tepco will throw all available resources at taking responsibility for Fukushima. We will compensate every last person and the company has many things to do in order for residents to return quickly," Hirose added.
According to the new plan, TEPCO will reduce a number of workers. Tepco says it is aiming to report recurring profit of $1.62 billion in the year through March 2015 and would seek savings on fuel purchases by buying supplies in partnership with other companies.