Japan quake-hit nuclear plant may be shut for year

TOKYO, July 19 (Reuters) Japan's government may order the earthquake-hit nuclear plant run by Tokyo Electric Power Co.

(TEPCO) to stay shut for more than a year while a safety study is under way, the Nikkei business daily reported today.

If the earthquake resistance study shows the facility -- the world's largest nuclear power plant -- needs to be reinforced, it might take much longer than a year before operations can resume, it added.

Fears about the safety of Japan's nuclear industry have been renewed by radiation leaks into the ocean and atmosphere from the plant in the northwestern city of Kashiwazaki, near the epicentre of Monday's quake.

TEPCO has asked six utilities for supplies of electricity to help fill an anticipated shortage from the shutdown of the plant.

Reuters DH VP0702