Tepco Nears Reactor Restart Approval
Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) is progressing towards restarting a nuclear reactor for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster. The proposed recommencement involves the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility, Japan's largest nuclear power plant, located in the Niigata region.
Approval Process
Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi has announced the prefecture's consent for the restart. This decision will proceed to a prefectural government assembly in December for further discussion and approval. The plan then requires final authorization from Japan's nuclear regulator.
The initial approval targets the No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, followed by the No. 7 reactor.
Context of the Fukushima Disaster
This move is part of Tepco's business reconstruction efforts following the 2011 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami. The natural disaster led to the meltdown of the Fukushima plant, resulting in reactor flooding, radiation leakage, and the evacuation of 150,000 residents. The event caused 18,000 fatalities. Subsequently, Tepco was ordered to provide extensive damages and cover decommissioning costs.
Public and National Perspectives
A recent survey conducted by Niigata prefecture revealed divided public opinion: 50% of residents supported the plant's restart, while 47% opposed it. Additionally, approximately 70% of respondents expressed concern about Tepco's management of the facility.
Globally, 14 other nuclear reactors in Japan have resumed operations since the Fukushima disaster. This development aligns with Japan's broader strategy to increase atomic energy utilization, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and advance towards net-zero carbon emissions.