Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant: Japan has approved the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant. This marks a decisive shift in its post-Fukushima energy policy. The move reflects Tokyo’s renewed focus on energy security. It also emphasizes cost containment and decarbonisation. Global fuel markets remain volatile, and import dependence weighs heavily on the economy.
Niigata Assembly Clears Long-Pending Restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant
The Niigata prefectural assembly voted to approve the resumption of operations at the plant. This decision supports Governor Hideyo Hanazumi’s backing of reopening the facility. With this political clearance, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has received the go-ahead. They will restart power generation at the world’s largest nuclear power station.
The decision was taken amid continued public resistance. Residents and civil society groups staged protests, citing safety concerns and lingering trauma from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Despite this opposition, authorities argued that enhanced safety standards and regulatory oversight justify the restart.
Background of Shutdown and Restart Timeline
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant is situated around 220 kilometres northwest of Tokyo. It was among 54 nuclear reactors shut down across Japan after the March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident. Since then, restarts have been slow, constrained by public sentiment, legal challenges and strict safety reviews.
Under the current plan, Reactor No. 6—one of the seven reactors at the complex—is expected to resume operations by January 20, 2026. TEPCO has committed to investing nearly ¥100 billion over the next decade. They plan to upgrade safety systems and strengthen infrastructure resilience. They also aim to meet regulatory requirements.
Energy Security and Economic Rationale
Japan’s renewed push for nuclear energy is driven by its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels. In recent years, the country has spent around ¥10.7 trillion annually on imports of liquefied natural gas and coal—nearly 10 per cent of total import expenditure.
Policymakers increasingly view nuclear power as a stable domestic energy source that can:
- Reduce exposure to global fuel price shocks
- Improve balance-of-payments stability
- Support decarbonisation goals under climate commitments
The restart aligns with Japan’s broader strategy to rebalance its energy mix while ensuring reliable baseload power.
Exam-Oriented Facts
- 📌 Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant is the world’s largest nuclear power plant by capacity
- 📌 Located in Niigata Prefecture, about 220 km from Tokyo
- 📌 Shut down after the 2011 Fukushima disaster
- 📌 Reactor No. 6 expected to restart by January 2026
- 📌 TEPCO plans to invest ¥100 billion in safety upgrades
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