government decided on a 40-year safety limit for nuclear reactors following the accident in march twaechb. but officials at kansai electric power company want to continue running two of its oldest reactors for an additional 20 years. after careful inspections were completed, they decided to seek approval. the utility is the first to file an application with the nuclear regulation authority for an operating extension. it covers the number one and number two reactors at the takahama plant in fukui prefecture, central japan. power companies that want to extend the operating limit must carefully examine reactors and other equipment for possible deterioration. officials said their inspections did not find any safety problems. for the extension to be granted the reactors must pass a screening process based on the new requirements. the application must be approved by july 2016 before the takahama reactors can go back online. the kansai electric officials plan to carry out a special indication of inspection of the number three reactor at its mihama plant which started operating 38 years ago. >>>