Niigata Governor Approves Restart of Japan’s Largest Nuclear Plant

The governor of Niigata, Hideyo Hanazumi, has given the green light to restart two reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, which is located in the north-central region of Japan. This decision marks a significant milestone as it clears the final hurdle for bringing the reactors back online after more than a decade of inactivity, following the catastrophic March 2011 meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

During a meeting with Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s Economy and Industry Minister, Hanazumi expressed the prefecture’s formal endorsement for the restart of reactors No. 6 and No. 7. This decision comes with assurances from the government regarding safety measures, emergency responses, and the necessity of community understanding.

Preparations for the restart of reactor No. 6 are already underway, and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is expected to apply for a final safety inspection from the Nuclear Safety Authority later this week, with a potential resumption date set for January 2024. In contrast, the restart of reactor No. 7 is projected to take additional years.

This decision follows the adoption of a budget bill by the Niigata prefectural assembly that included funding necessary for the reactors’ restart, further supporting the governor’s earlier consent. “It was a heavy and difficult decision,” Hanazumi remarked to reporters after the meeting. He also conveyed his desire for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who advocates for nuclear energy, to visit the plant to observe safety procedures firsthand.

Japan’s energy policy has shifted dramatically since the Fukushima disaster, which initially prompted plans to phase out atomic power. In the wake of global fuel shortages, escalating prices, and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, the government has reversed its stance, now pushing to increase nuclear energy usage. This includes accelerating reactor restarts, extending operational lifespans, and considering new constructions.

Currently, of Japan’s 57 commercial reactors, only 13 are operational. The remaining 20 are offline, while 24 are undergoing decommissioning processes. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, recognized as the largest in the world, has been inactive since 2012 due to safety concerns that arose following the Fukushima disaster.

Despite clearing safety tests in 2017, preparations to restart reactors No. 6 and No. 7 faced setbacks in 2021 due to identified safeguarding issues. The Nuclear Regulation Authority lifted an operational ban on the plant in 2023, but subsequent seismic activity, including an earthquake on January 1, 2024, raised fresh safety concerns among local residents.

In Japan, obtaining local community consent is essential for any reactor restarts. TEPCO, grappling with the financial burdens of long-term decommissioning and compensation for those affected by the Fukushima disaster, is eager to reactivate its most viable nuclear facility to stabilize its business operations. The company continues to face challenges in regaining public trust concerning the safe operation of nuclear power.

Experts caution that while accelerating reactor restarts may help address energy needs, the lack of comprehensive nuclear fuel reprocessing and plans for managing radioactive waste remains a significant concern as Japan navigates its future energy landscape.