Japan approves restart of world’s largest nuclear plant

The world’s largest nuclear power plant has finally received long-awaited approval to resume operations, marking a pivotal moment for Japan and its energy sector more than a decade after the country endured the worst nuclear disaster of the century.

Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi has authorised the restart of two reactors at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, Bloomberg reports.

At a press conference on November 21, he announced that he will ask the prefectural assembly to determine whether it supports his decision and whether he should remain in office — a procedural step required to finalise the approval.

Calling nuclear facilities “a truly serious and heavy issue for local communities,” Hanazumi noted the weight of the decision. “I’ve spent seven years assessing this. I’d like the local assembly to evaluate my decision and how I approached my work,” he said.

Friday’s approval is widely seen as a symbolic milestone for Japan and the clearest indication yet that the country is returning to nuclear energy as part of its push to reduce carbon emissions. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, often referred to as KK, has the capacity to supply cleaner electricity to Japan’s eastern grid, lessening dependence on imported coal and natural gas and supporting national carbon-neutrality targets.

Bloomberg had reported earlier in the day—citing documents from the prefectural government—that Hanazumi was preparing to grant the green light for the restart.

The plant’s planned reactivation, involving a vast facility situated along Honshu’s coast, is also critical for Tepco. The utility operated the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant on the opposite side of the island when the 2011 disaster unfolded, resulting in the most severe nuclear accident since Chernobyl. Tepco continues to absorb the financial fallout, including a 903 billion yen ($5.7 billion) charge recorded earlier this year for decommissioning work.

Hanazumi added that he will request several commitments from the national government, including assurances that the facility will remain in compliance with the latest safety standards.

By Tamilla Hasanova