Asia-Pacific News
Japan left with only two nuclear plants in operation
Feb 20, 2012, 8:57 GMT
Tokyo - A Japanese utility said Monday it would suspend its nuclear reactor in Fukui prefecture for regular checkup, leaving only two of the nation's 54 reactors in operation after the nation's worst atomic accident.
Kansai Electric Power Co will halt reactor 3 of its Takahama Nuclear Power Plant on the Sea of Japan coast in the early hours of Tuesday, the company said.
All 54 of the country's reactors are scheduled to be suspended for servicing by the end of April.
Japanese utilities have been unable to reactivate their idled reactors because of growing public concern about atomic power following last year's disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
The plant was struck by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, which triggered the nuclear emergency, leading to core meltdowns at three of its six reactors.
