Fukushima Daiichi NPS Prompt Report 2014

TOKYO, July 25, 2014-A new report from the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, which makes reform recommendations for the U.S. nuclear industry based on the "lessons learned" from the Fukushima Daiichi accident, largely embraces the reforms already being carried out by the plant's owner, the Tokyo Electric Power Company.

"I'm pleased to see the detailed analysis conducted by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences regarding the lessons learned from the Fukushima accident," said Dr. Dale Klein, chairman of TEPCO's Nuclear Reform Monitoring Committee and former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.   "While we are applying many lessons learned at TEPCO's nuclear facilities in Japan, it is equally important that the global nuclear community learn from this unfortunate event."

Also, Lady Barbara Judge CBE who is deputy chairman of the TEPCO Nuclear Reform Monitoring Committee and former Chairman of the U.K. Atomic Energy Authority commented "As many countries around the world are building new nuclear power stations, their construction and operation will incorporate the lessons learned from the Fukushima accident.  Accordingly, we will all benefit from the implementation of the improvements being undertaken by TEPCO and referred to in the Report."

The report, which TEPCO and the Japanese government had fully cooperated and supported, makes findings similar to those of TEPCO and Japanese authorities, and recommends reforms similar to those currently being carried out as part of TEPCO's Nuclear Reform Plan:

・Proactively identify new hazards and modernize risk-management techniques.
・Prepare for unusual but potentially serious "beyond design basis" events.
・Examine offsite emergency response capabilities and work with various emergency responders to assess and, if necessary, improve preparedness.
・Improve the nuclear safety culture.

To achieve these reforms, we are putting in place many physical improvements and design changes to our facilities, as well as important changes in management structure, processes, crisis response plans, coordination with municipalities, and employee training programs.

These initiatives include the investment of billions of dollars in new technologies and other preventive systems - such as strengthened seawalls and more robust emergency cooling systems - as well as better worker training and stronger management oversight and accountability.

In adopting these technologies and practices, we are collaborating closely with international partners in the United States, UK and elsewhere. We also appreciate the efforts of Dr. Klein, and Lady Barbara Judge CBE and the efforts of other individuals who are providing valuable insight and guidance.

As owners of the Fukushima Daiichi facility, as well as two other nuclear power stations, we recognize our special responsibility to ensure that the lessons learned from Fukushima are incorporated into everything we do. We welcome this report because we believe that the lessons learned from Fukushima will make nuclear energy even safer not only in Japan but around the world, and ensure that it will remain a key component of a sound and balanced energy, economic, and environmental policy.

About TEPCO

Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (TEPCO) is Japan's largest power company, supplying energy to the greater Kanto area, including Japan's two most populous cities, Tokyo and Yokohama. Its 35,000 employees are committed to providing safe, reliable power to its 28.8 million customers, diversifying energy resources to ensure sustainability, and contributing to economic growth while fully meeting its responsibilities after the Fukushima Daiichi accident.