The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported significant enhancements to the physical protection measures at Japan’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant. A team of IAEA experts has concluded a security mission at the facility in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, initiated at the request of TEPCO. The mission, spanning from March 25 to April 2, evaluated the improvements in physical protection measures at the plant and offered additional guidance to the operator as needed.
The team recognized the facility management’s dedication to enhancing nuclear security, noting ongoing advancements in various aspects of the plant’s physical protection system since 2018. This was when the IAEA first visited Kashiwazaki-Kariwa during an International Physical Protection Advisory Service Follow-up Mission in Japan. The experts observed that the majority of the improvements have been accomplished, with those needing substantial resources and time either in progress or scheduled for implementation. They also offered Tepco recommendations and suggestions for additional enhancements.
