Japan Moves Toward Restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant as Niigata Holds Final Vote

Japan moved closer to restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant on Monday in Niigata. Local lawmakers prepared to vote on the plan. The vote is the last hurdle before operations can resume. This is a key moment for Japan as it returns to nuclear power almost 15 years after Fukushima.

The plant is the world’s largest nuclear facility. It has been offline since the 2011 disaster. Japan has worked to cut its use of imported fuel. The restart is seen as a major step in that energy shift.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant Faces Support and Resistance

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant sits about 220 km northwest of Tokyo. It was one of many reactors shut down after the Fukushima accident. According to Reuters, Japan has restarted 14 reactors since then. TEPCO hopes this plant will be next, but the region remains divided.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Niigata assembly building on Monday. Many held signs saying “No Nukes” and “Support Fukushima.” Temperatures were low, but the crowd stayed firm. They sang songs about home and loss. Some said the risk of another accident was too great.

A survey by the prefecture showed that 60 percent of residents believe safety conditions have not been met. Almost 70 percent said they worry about TEPCO overseeing the site. TEPCO has promised to invest 100 billion yen in the area over the next decade. But many people remain cautious.

TEPCO said it understands the fear. The company said it will work to prevent another accident. The first reactor could restart as soon as January 20 if approved.

Energy Security and Japan’s Nuclear Future

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi supports the restart. She says Japan must improve energy security. Japan depends heavily on imports for its electricity. Trade officials say the plant could raise power supply to the Tokyo area by up to 2 percent.

Japan spent 10.7 trillion yen on imported coal and gas last year. The nation plans to reduce these costs. Japan also expects power demand to rise. This is due to growth in AI data centers that require large amounts of energy. The government wants nuclear power to supply 20 percent of electricity by 2040.

Experts say the restart would be a key turning point. They argue that public support is vital for Japan’s long-term energy plans. Some industry leaders believe Japan must use nuclear power to cut emissions and meet climate goals.

Still, many people from Fukushima remain worried. Some, like farmer Ayako Oga, say the trauma of 2011 stays with them. They fear another disaster could happen again. They hope Japan will find safer energy choices in the future.

Japan now waits for the Niigata decision. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant could shape the nation’s energy plans for years. The vote will decide the next step in Japan’s nuclear path.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant?

It is the world’s largest nuclear plant. It is located in Niigata, northwest of Tokyo. It has been offline since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

Q2: Why is Japan considering a restart?

Japan wants to cut its use of imported fuel. The government also seeks stable energy prices. Nuclear power is part of that plan.

Q3: When could the plant restart?

TEPCO may restart the first reactor on January 20. This depends on the final approval from Niigata. The vote is expected this week.

Q4: Why are some residents opposed?

Many still fear another accident like Fukushima. Surveys show most residents do not believe safety rules are met. Trust in TEPCO is low.

Q5: How will the restart affect Japan’s energy supply?

Officials say it could boost Tokyo’s power supply by 2 percent. It may also reduce reliance on costly fuel imports. This supports long-term energy plans.

Trusted Sources

Reuters
Associated Press
BBC News