Recruitment drive needed to secure Japan’s nuclear futureーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
In the past, Japan’s nuclear power plants were allowed to operate for up to 40 years in principle, with some being permitted through a strict screening process to extend that by an extra 20. But from June this year, a new law allows nuclear reactors to remain in operation beyond the current 60-year limit after further testing. By 2050, around half the nation’s 33 nuclear reactors will have been in operation for more than 60 years. And that brings a litany of problems as the facilities begin to deteriorate. Electric power companies are required to implement rigorous reviews to ensure the safety of their plants. That’s overseen by the secretariat of the Nuclear Regulation Authority. But the watchdog currently faces a shortage of inspectors. Takahama nuclear power plant in central Japan is operated by Concai Electric Power Company. Its number one unit is the country’s longest running reactor set to hit 60 years in 2034. That’s becoming a concern for people living nearby. It seems like alternative energy sources haven’t been decided on, so it’s better to keep it going at least until that happens. I wonder if it’s okay. I’m hoping they can maintain the basic safety levels. The Secretariat monitors nuclear power plants to ensure they’re operated and inspected properly. Eight of its staff work here in Takahama Town. Two are in their 30s, but the rest are over 50. They’re on site to ensure the operator is conducting its testing according to requirements. Of the 1,000 plus secretariat employees, almost half or at least 50. But when it comes to those stationed at plants like Takahama, that jumps to 80%. People retire every year, so I think there will definitely be a staff shortage. I believe we need more experienced workers as well as new graduates to keep the plants operating. Despite that pinch, recruitment is proving challenging. We are facing a critical situation with fewer people wanting to enter the field. I know there are many issues surrounding recruitment, but we need to figure out how to overcome those. The government is stepping up efforts to attract more students to the discipline. A training session at Kai University’s research reactor for students from universities and technical colleges. The goal is to foster an interest in the nuclear power industry. They’re learning to adjust the power output of the reactor to measure the number of neutrons. Students come from across Japan to take advantage of the facilities. The government covers their transport and accommodation. I feel like working in nuclear power plant management might be a good option. This was a great experience for me. Even with the outreach, recruitment prospects remain uncertain. The University of Tokyo has a track record of supplying talent to the nuclear power industry. We asked its students about their career paths. For now, I’m thinking of doing a PhD and then working for a nuclear power company. But some are considering other options. I’m going to work for an international consultancy. We studied nuclear power, but it’s not necessary to work in the field. I don’t think about it much. There are no new power plants being built. So, I think the nuclear industry is lacking in excitement. A Tokyo University survey found that less than 30% of its grad school alumni from the last 5 years went on to jobs at the secretariat or nuclear power companies. The 2011 accident at Fukushima Dichi has altered the perception of the nuclear industry. Some students find it less appealing. And a Kai University professor we spoke with says the situation spells trouble. Even if we decide to close the nuclear power plants, we need engineers to shut them down. We want people who have studied nuclear power to come into the field. But that is not going to be enough. So we need to make more efforts to attract people from other disciplines. We often talk about broadening our perspective and that’s what we need to do. Those responsible for nuclear plant safety bear a heavy load. And the operators face a huge task if they’re to get the best workers on board by providing a rewarding and fulfilling career path. With efforts to maximize renewable energy sources, current government plans say nuclear power is still expected to account for around 20% of Japan’s total electricity generation in fiscal 2040. With that in mind, the pressure on the nuclear industry is
Japan now allows some nuclear plants to operate longer if approved but the industry faces a critical shortage of inspectors. As students look to other fields, could reactor safety be at risk? #japan #security #nuclear #environment #education #science
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