World’s Largest Nuclear Plant Restarts In Japan After 13-Year Freeze

The world’s largest nuclear power station has restarted operations in Japan for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, marking a major turning point in the country’s post-meltdown energy policy.

The No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant in Niigata prefecture began initial operations on Wednesday, becoming the first reactor run by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to resume activity since Fukushima Daiichi suffered catastrophic meltdowns following a massive earthquake and tsunami.

The restart is politically and symbolically significant. TEPCO, long criticised for a poor safety culture and regulatory collusion, remains responsible for the Fukushima cleanup — a project expected to cost more than ¥22 trillion ($139 billion) and take decades.

All seven reactors at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa were shut down in 2012 amid nationwide safety suspensions. While the plant was not damaged in the Fukushima disaster, it sits in a quake-prone region and suffered structural damage during a 2007 earthquake, fuelling long-standing local opposition.

The No. 6 reactor cleared safety screenings in 2017 but faced a fresh operational ban in 2021 after serious security lapses were discovered. Approval was finally granted in 2023 after extensive upgrades, including flood-proofing, new cooling systems, filtered venting and reinforced emergency facilities.

The reactor is expected to generate 1.35 million kilowatts of electricity — enough to power more than one million households in the Tokyo region — as Japan struggles with rising energy demand, high fossil fuel costs and power-hungry AI data centres.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pushed to reverse Japan’s post-Fukushima nuclear retreat, arguing atomic energy is essential for energy security and decarbonisation. Tokyo now aims to double nuclear power’s share of the energy mix to 20% by 2040.

Despite assurances, concerns remain over evacuation plans after recent earthquakes exposed how quickly roads and infrastructure can fail.

Key Takeaways

• TEPCO restarts first reactor since Fukushima, breaking a 13-year freeze

• Japan accelerates nuclear revival to meet rising power and AI demand

• Safety and evacuation fears persist in quake-prone regions

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT

I'd forgetten about TEPCO. They were considering evacuating Tokyo last rodeo. What could go wrong?!? Remember, ahem, Hiroshima???