Japan`s 2nd `pluthermal` nuclear generation set to begin

MATSUYAMA, Japan, Feb. 26 Kyodo -
A nuclear reactor in western Japan is in the final stage of preparation to
become the country's second for ''pluthermal'' power generation using
plutonium-uranium mixed oxide fuel.
Shikoku Power Co. said Friday the No. 3 reactor at the Ikata power plant in
Ehime Prefecture has undergone routine checkups since January and loaded the
MOX fuel earlier this month, setting the stage for it to be activated for
pluthermal power generation Monday afternoon.
The self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction is expected to occur on Tuesday
morning, and the utility firm plans to start power generation with the MOX fuel
on Thursday.
If the facility passes final government-mandated inspections after boosting its
power output, it will enter the commercial operation phase following the
completion of regular checkups scheduled for March 30.
Pluthermal, or plutonium-thermal, power generation is regarded as a pillar of
Japan's nuclear energy policy and the first such operation commenced at the
Genkai nuclear power plant in Saga Prefecture last November.
Chubu Electric Power Co. in Nagoya and the Kansai Electric Power Co. in Osaka
are planning to start its pluthermal operation during fiscal 2010 starting
April.
==Kyodo