The Japanese government is considering a taskforce’s proposal to set a 40-year age limit on nuclear reactors with the option for a 20-year extension if the plants meet stringent safety criteria.

Japanese officials said on Jan. 10 that they will require nuclear reactors in the country to shut down after 40 years to improve safety, but there was no announcement of whether any life extensions would be considered.

World Nuclear News quotes a cabinet secretary as saying there would be no basic change in the government’s position to shut down reactors after 40 years of operation, but extensions would be granted one time only and are limited to a maximum of 20 years depending on safety requirements.

According to NHK news agency, the government plans to submit draft legislation by the end of January.

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