According to Fukui governor Issei Nishikawa, “[I have endorsed] a move by [KEPCO] to manufacture mixed uranium-plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel overseas for use at the No. 3 and No. 4 reactors at its Takahama nuclear power plant in the prefecture.”

“[I] will convey the prefectural government’s decision to the [KEPCO’s] president by the end of this week,” added Nishikawa.

The governor’s move has not pleased the central government, which has remained cautious on the prospect of MOX despite the pressure from Japan’s utilities firms to allow its widespread use.

According to the Economy, Trade and Industry Vice-Minister, Seiji Murata, “We are not optimistic that today’s KEPCO case will immediately give momentum to the MOX projects of other power companies.”