Feb 16 • 06:00 UTC 🇯🇵 Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

President of Kansai Electric Power Takes Over as Chairman of the Federation of Electric Power Companies Following the Resignation Due to Scandal

Kansai Electric Power's President, Nozomu Mori, is set to become the new chairman of the Federation of Electric Power Companies in Japan, succeeding the resigned chairman Yoshinobu Hayashi due to a scandal.

In Japan, the Federation of Electric Power Companies (Denji-ren) is poised to appoint Nozomu Mori, the current president of Kansai Electric Power (Kansai Denryoku), as its new chairman. This decision follows the resignation of the previous chairman, Yoshinobu Hayashi, from Chubu Electric Power, who stepped down in January after a scandal related to safety data irregularities involving the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant. The formal confirmation of Mori's appointment is expected to take place on the 20th of this month. The scandal which led to Hayashi's resignation was a significant issue affecting public trust in the electric power industry, as it revolved around regulatory compliance and safety standards at nuclear facilities. With the electric power industry in Japan being sensitive to public perception, the choice of Mori, who has been leading Kansai Electric since June 2022 and is known for advocating the reactivation of nuclear power, is indeed notable. His appointment indicates a strategic direction for Denji-ren that may increasingly favor nuclear energy revivals. A historical context adds weight to this transition, as Mori's potential leadership could evoke memories of past controversies—including a compensation scandal tied to a former Kansai Electric executive—which led to previous leadership resignations and a shake-up within the organization. Thus, Mori will face the crucial challenge of restoring credibility and navigating the complexities associated with Japan's energy policies, particularly as the nation considers the future role of nuclear power in its broader energy strategy.

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