Japan's nuclear watchdog said Wednesday (Aug. 26) it will revise regulations to extend the deadline for building anti-terrorism facilities at nuclear power plants. Under the change, the five-year period to complete these structures will be counted from the time a plant begins operations, instead of when the construction plan is approved.
The decision comes as Japanese nuclear plant operators face difficulties meeting strict security requirements imposed after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The extension aims to give power companies more time to install equipment such as blast walls, protective fences, and other defensive systems against terrorist attacks.
Under the new rules, nuclear plants will have five years from the start of commercial operations to finish all anti-terror facilities. Previously, the deadline began when regulators approved the construction plan, putting many operators under schedule pressure.
Experts say the adjustment reflects the reality that building complex security facilities requires more time, while still ensuring safety when plants go online. The move is also expected to help accelerate the restart of nuclear reactors across the country.
