Kyushu Electric Power Commences 17th Regular Inspection for Genkai Nuclear Power Station Unit 4
FUKUOKA, JAPAN – July 25, 2025 – Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. (Kyuden) announced today the commencement of the 17th regular inspection for Unit 4 of the Genkai Nuclear Power Station. The company emphasized its unwavering commitment to safety, stating that all inspections and works will be conducted with the utmost care and precision.
The Genkai Nuclear Power Station, located in Higashimatsuuracho, Genkai-cho, Nishi-natsuura-gun, Saga Prefecture, plays a significant role in Kyushu’s energy supply. Unit 4 is a pressurized water reactor (PWR) with an electrical output of 1,180,000 kilowatts. This regular inspection is a critical part of ensuring the continued safe and reliable operation of the plant.
Regular inspections, often referred to as periodic safety reviews, are comprehensive examinations mandated by regulatory authorities. They involve thorough checks of all plant systems, components, and structures to confirm their integrity and functionality. These inspections are designed to identify any potential issues, implement necessary maintenance, and ensure compliance with the latest safety standards and regulations.
During this 17th regular inspection, Kyuden will undertake a wide array of activities, including:
- Detailed Examinations: Key components such as the reactor vessel, steam generators, turbines, and generators will undergo meticulous visual and non-destructive testing.
- Component Replacements and Upgrades: Parts that have reached the end of their operational life or have been identified for improvement will be replaced or upgraded to enhance safety and efficiency.
- System Performance Verification: All safety-related systems, including emergency core cooling systems, containment systems, and control systems, will be rigorously tested to confirm their operational readiness.
- Fuel Inspection and Maintenance: The reactor core will be inspected, and spent nuclear fuel will be unloaded for storage. New fuel assemblies may also be loaded in preparation for the next operational cycle.
- Regulatory Oversight: The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) will closely monitor the entire inspection process, ensuring that all work is performed in strict accordance with established safety protocols and legal requirements.
Kyuden reiterated its paramount focus on safety throughout the entire inspection period. The company has mobilized a dedicated team of experienced engineers and technicians, and has implemented robust quality assurance measures to guarantee the thoroughness and accuracy of every step.
The duration of the inspection is anticipated to be several months, after which Unit 4 will undergo restart testing before resuming commercial operation. Kyuden is committed to transparency and will provide regular updates on the progress of the inspection to the public and stakeholders.
This regular inspection represents a vital investment in the long-term safety and reliability of the Genkai Nuclear Power Station, underscoring Kyuden’s dedication to providing a stable and secure energy supply for the Kyushu region.
玄海原子力発電所４号機の第17回定期検査を開始します－安全確保を最優先に、検査や作業を一つひとつ丁寧に進めます－
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九州電力 published ‘玄海原子力発電所４号機の第17回定期検査を開始します－安全確保を最優先に、検査や作業を一つひとつ丁寧に進めます－’ at 2025-07-25 05:01. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.