Japan Clears Path to Restart World’s Largest Nuclear Power Plant
Japan has moved closer to restarting the world’s largest nuclear power plant nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster, following a key approval vote in the Niigata prefectural assembly, Reuters reported.
On Monday, lawmakers in Niigata voted in favor of resuming operations at the Kashiwazaki–Kariwa nuclear power station, removing the final major political hurdle to its restart. Located about 220 kilometers from Tokyo, the plant was among 54 reactors shut down nationwide after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
In an effort to reduce its dependence on imported energy, Japan has already restarted 14 of its 33 operable reactors. Once operational, Kashiwazaki–Kariwa will become the first nuclear plant to be restarted under Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which also operates the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
The prefectural assembly’s vote of confidence in Governor Hideo Hanazumi effectively cleared the way for the plant’s revival. With a total generating capacity of 8.2 gigawatts, the facility is capable of supplying electricity to several million households. Authorities plan to bring the first reactor back online next year.
However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions among local residents. Around 300 protesters demonstrated outside the plant on Monday, voicing concerns over safety and transparency.
DBTech/BMT/OR
