Japan's Mihama nuclear reactor gets 20 years operating extension

It will be 60 years old by the time of its retirement in 2036.

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority extended nuclear reactor Mihama Unit 3's operating period until 2036. The reactor is operated by Kansai Electric Power.

The Mihama nuclear power station unit 3 has been under special inspection and evaluation since May 16, 2015 due to its aging technology.

Kansai Electric Power sought NRA's extension approval and submitted a corrective application to append a safety evaluation on Mihama Unit 3's resistance to earthquakes.

The power utility also added measures to counter the reactor's deterioration due to aging.

Kansai said that it hopes to restart Mihama Unit 3's operations very soon.