日本311以来首次为新建核电机组启动调查

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Kansai Electric Power's plans to initiate geological surveys for the construction of new nuclear power units at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant, marking the first concrete action towards new nuclear units in Japan since the 2011 earthquake [1][2]. Group 1: Company Actions - Kansai Electric Power announced on July 22 that it will start geological surveys necessary for the construction of new nuclear units at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture [1]. - The company had previously initiated surveys in 2010, but these were halted after the 2011 earthquake [1]. - The new units are intended to replace the decommissioned Mihama Unit 1 and others [2]. Group 2: Government and Regulatory Context - The Japanese government has stated that new generation units will be built on the land of the decommissioned units [2]. - Kansai Electric's president emphasized the necessity of nuclear energy for decarbonization and the growing electricity demand driven by the rapid growth of data centers and the semiconductor industry [2]. Group 3: Financial and Operational Considerations - The reconstruction of nuclear units is estimated to require around 1 trillion yen [2]. - The company plans to utilize its own funds, loans, and part of the capital raised through a large-scale fundraising initiative set for 2024 [2]. - Geological and topographical surveys are the first steps in the construction process, which will take approximately 20 years from survey completion to operational status [2].