TOKYO: Japanese authorities on Friday approved the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant, marking a major milestone in the country’s energy policy since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, Kyodo News reported.
The decision clears Reactor No. 6 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture to resume operations in March 2026, after Governor Hideyo Hanazumi granted his approval. The sprawling 8.2-gigawatt plant — comprising seven reactors — has remained offline since 2012, following the Fukushima Daiichi meltdown that was triggered by a massive tsunami.
The Japanese government backs the move, calling nuclear power a “stable and carbon-free energy source” essential for the country’s long-term energy security. Operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) said the restart is crucial for improving revenues and meeting compensation commitments to those affected by the Fukushima catastrophe.
The governor’s decision will now be reviewed by the local assembly, which begins its monthly session on December 2. If endorsed, Tokyo will be formally notified that regional procedures are complete.
A February review by the prefecture’s technical committee found no safety issues, confirming that the plant meets updated regulatory requirements. Currently, only Reactor No. 6 is fully prepared for activation, with nuclear fuel already loaded. If all steps proceed as planned, the reactor will be back online by late March 2026.
