Kansai Electric Power will begin drilling for a new nuclear reactor at the Mihama plant, marking the first construction of its kind since the Fukushima disaster

Kansai Electric Power will begin surveys for the construction of a new nuclear reactor at the Mihama plant in Fukui Prefecture, the first such project since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The Japanese government aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by increasing the contribution of nuclear power to energy security. Surveys will analyze the topography and geology of the area, involving the local community. Kansai Electric, Japan's largest nuclear operator, is working with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to design the SRZ-1200 reactor, without giving cost estimates for construction.