Japan Clears Final Hurdle to Restart World’s Largest Nuclear Power Plant
Japan moves closer to restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant after a key regional vote, marking a major step in its return to nuclear energy post-Fukushima.
New Delhi: Japan has taken the final political step toward restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the largest nuclear facility in the world, following a key regional vote held on Monday.
The Niigata Prefectural Assembly passed a vote of confidence in Governor Hideyo Hanazumi, who had given his approval for the plant’s restart last month. This decision clears the way for operations to resume after years of shutdown.
Return to Nuclear Power After Fukushima
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant was among 54 nuclear reactors shut down nationwide after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster—the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl.
Nearly 15 years later, Japan is gradually bringing nuclear energy back into its power mix. Of the 33 reactors that remain operable, 14 have already been restarted.
Operated by TEPCO
The plant will be operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the same utility that managed the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Kashiwazaki-Kariwa will become the first nuclear facility restarted under TEPCO’s operation since the disaster.
Energy Security Goals
The Japanese government sees nuclear power as key to reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and ensuring stable energy supplies. Restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant marks a significant milestone in this strategy.