Chubu Electric Power execs resign, falsified quake safety data for 2 reactors
10 hours ago
- The president and chairperson of Chubu Electric Power Co. resign to take responsibility for manipulating earthquake safety data at two nuclear reactors.
- The utility withdraws its applications to restart the Hamaoka No. 3 and No. 4 reactors after an outside panel found manipulated seismic data.
- Top management is blamed for setting early resumption as a key target and pressuring employees, which led to the data fraud.
- The resignations come amid Japan's accelerated nuclear restarts driven by rising energy costs and carbon emission reduction goals.
- The Nuclear Regulation Authority suspended safety screening in December 2023 after a whistleblower tip, and the utility plans to reapply after implementing reforms.
- Public trust in nuclear energy remains divided due to lingering safety concerns following the 2011 Fukushima disaster.