Kansai Electric Power Company has been given the green light to resume operations at three nuclear reactors more than 40 years old, a first under new safety regulations that were put in place following the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

Fukui governor Tatsuji Sugimoto told reporters he had given his consent to resume operations at the Takahama-1, Takahama-2 and Mihama-3.

The municipal assemblies, mayors of the host municipalities and the Fukui prefectural assembly have all approved the resumption of operations, leaving Mr Sugimoto as the final official whose approval was required.