Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Restarting operations at nuclear power stations

(Abridged)

REPORTER: During yesterday's press conference, the Nuclear Regulation Authority Chairperson, Shunichi Tanaka commented that it may be difficult to develop new safety standards for nuclear power stations before the end of the year. Am I correct in understanding that no nuclear power stations will be restarted before the new safety standards are finalized? Or, considering that electricity supply is expected to be tight this winter in areas such as Hokkaido, are you going to discuss the possibility of restarting nuclear power stations under the current provisional standards before the new standards are finalized?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Firstly, electricity demand in Hokkaido is higher in winter than it is in summer. We are soon commencing discussions on determining this winter's forecasts for electricity supply and demand levels and possible measures by analyzing this summer's supply and demand. However, I believe that this is not something we can afford to spend too long in making decisions. Therefore, as soon as we know with more certainty after considering more details, we would like to make an official announcement in regard to this supply and demand issue. On the other hand, in relation to the restarting of nuclear power stations, the Nuclear Regulation Authority, which began yesterday, will be responsible for making independent assessments of nuclear power plant safety, and there are no changes to our policy that only those plants for which safety is confirmed will be restarted.

(Abridged)