In January, Genkai-3 and -4 (PWR, 1180MWe each) cleared examinations by the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) for compatibility with the new regulatory standards. On February 24, a majority of the Genkai Town Assembly voted in support of resumed operation of the reactors.
Mayor Kishimoto seemed to feel that sufficient understanding had been obtained from the residents in light of explanatory meetings hosted by Saga Prefecture that had been held at five locations prior to March 3.
Regarding the local agreements that are a condition for the restarts, Governor Yamaguchi intends to make his decision after hearing a wide range of opinions. On March 18, he will have a meeting with all municipal heads in the prefecture to hear their views directly.
Each of the Genkai NPPs had ceased operation by December 2011. In March 2015, it was decided that the oldest unit, Genkai-1 (PWR, 559 MWe), would be decommissioned.