August 29, 2007
Rev. 0Japan Nuclear Technology Institute
Information of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Power Plant (the 7th news)- Overview of Explanation about Visit to NEI in the US -Expecting to receive feedback on the three points below from overseas nuclear power officials,
JANTI dispatched four people including President Ishikawa to firstly visit NEI (Nuclear EnergyInstitute) in the US where they explained the current situation to US nuclear power officials andexchanged opinions.
1. To show you all data we have, and get your frank impressions and opinions
to those happenings in Japan.
2. To expect you to express your sound opinions for those matters concerned,
whatever you feel, to Japanese
3. To discuss a way of cooperation with you for further sound NPP for future, bysolving a numbers of lessons learned we may obtain soon in accordance, withprogress of investigations by Tokyo Electric Company
There were many participants from the industry and government agencies, many questions wereasked, and we were able to realize just how concerned the US is over the situation. This 7threport introduces an overview of our visit to NEI.
1. Date of visit: Friday, August 24, 2007 1:30pm to 3:30pm
2. Place of visit: NEI (Washington DC, US)
3. Participants: about 35 people from<Industry> NEI, INPO, EPRI, Exelon, Ontario Power Generation, GE, WH, local Japanese
corporations (TEPCO, Chubu Electric Power, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba, Hitachi)<Government> NRC, DOE
4. Overview(1) Main points of President’s greeting○ Tens of damages to plant facilities have been reported but all seven units are being
maintained in a state of safe shutdown. This is thanks to the design and safe constructionof the nuclear power station and is a fact that I would like to share with confidence.
○ We must be grateful to the pioneers all over the world that contributed to this result.
Also, I would like to give praise to the power station workers who gave their all toprotect the station in spite of the difficulties that were brought on by the earthquake.
(2) Individual explanation items
a. Regarding the characteristics and scale of The Niigataken Chuetsu-oki Earthquakein 2007, and the results (state of the city, status of the entire power station) of thelocal investigation carried out by JANTI on July 23 and 24.
b. Major incidents and current status-In-house transformer fire (Unit 3)-Small leak of radioactive materials into environment (Unit 6, 7)-Water leak into basement level 5 of the reactor combined structure due to damage
to the fire extinguishing system piping (Unit 1)-Damage to the ceiling crane on the operating floor of the reactor building (Unit 6)
c. Regarding what was actually reported by the Japanese mass media and what
information was given by JANTI(3) Main questions and opinions from participants○ There were many technical questions aimed at confirming fact relationships. In
particular, there was much concern about the spilling of water from the spent fuel pool
onto the operating floor and questions focused on the scale of the overspill (what units
were affected, amount) and how much water was discharged into the ocean. Furthermore,
there were also questions about JANTI’s interpretation of the contents of the IAEA
report and about what the mass media reported in regards to such.
○ Lastly, NEI President Bowman gave the following comments adding that he had learneda lot.
-The way in which Japan released information, in other words, releasing information
about injuries little by little each day, and releasing information that was inconsistent,led to a feeling of uneasiness.
-It is necessary to disclose and announce all information in order to improve thepartnership that exists between the US and Japan, and from this action trust will be born.
Also, it is important for the US and Japan to cooperate and communicate more.
(4) Concluding remarks by President○ What JANTI discussed here today is based on the rough information that we observed.
The investigation into the earthquake has only just begun, and to put it accurately, thedetailed information is yet to come. How we use this information is important.
○ JANTI should release the information on its website. We would like you to use it and let
us know if you have any requests or questions. We will do what we can to accommodateyou.
○ In regards to the earthquake, there is no difference between PWR and BWR. We will doour best to see that excellent power plants are built in the future, but we would be
extremely grateful for your support.
End(*) NEI: Organization established by mainly US nuclear power companies in order to deal with
political policy proposals and environment building aimed at promoting nuclear power.