A regional assembly in Niigata Prefecture is set to vote by December 22 on whether to partially restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world’s largest, located about 300 kilometers northeast of Tokyo. The plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), was shut down after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster. Restarting Unit No. 6 would mark TEPCO’s first nuclear reactivation since the incident. Japan currently relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, which supply 60–70% of the nation’s electricity.
Why It Matters
Restarting the plant could help Japan meet rising energy demand driven by industrial growth, data centers, and AI-driven businesses, while reducing dependence on costly fossil fuel imports. However, safety concerns linger among local residents, especially around evacuation plans, as memories of the Fukushima disaster remain vivid. The restart reflects the broader national debate over nuclear energy, balancing energy security with public safety.
Key stakeholders include TEPCO, which operates the plant and oversees safety improvements; the Niigata regional assembly, which will vote on the restart; the Japanese government, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which supports nuclear relaunches to strengthen energy security; and local residents, many of whom remain wary of potential accidents. Japan’s energy-hungry industries and households also stand to benefit from increased domestic power generation.
What’s Next
The Niigata assembly’s final session of 2025 runs through December 22, after which a vote on restarting Unit No. 6 is expected. If approved, TEPCO plans to bring the 1,356-megawatt unit online in January. Unit No. 7 may follow later, while other older units could eventually be decommissioned. TEPCO continues to pay compensation related to the Fukushima disaster, and safety drills at the plant remain ongoing to ensure preparedness.
Implications
A successful restart would bolster Japan’s domestic energy supply, easing reliance on imported fossil fuels and supporting economic growth. However, public safety concerns and lingering distrust from the Fukushima disaster could spark protests or political debate. The decision also signals Japan’s broader approach to nuclear energy in a world facing rising electricity demand and geopolitical energy pressures.
With information from Reuters.
