Japan Takes Steps Nearer to Recommencing Operations at the World's Largest Nuclear Power Plant

Officials are moving toward authorizing the resumption of the globe's most sizable atomic energy station—the first time it would be in use since the catastrophic 2011 Fukushima event.

The governor of Niigata, governor of the Niigata region where the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear facility is located, said he has authorized for the phased recommencement.

The plan to recommence functioning at the facility, run by the Tepco utility firm, requires consent from the regional legislative body and the nation's atomic regulatory agency before it can move forward.

Should it be authorized, it would be the first time Tokyo Electric Power would be allowed to restart nuclear reactor operations in Japan since its Fukushima facility suffered a core meltdown following a tidal surge.

Local Inhabitants Split on Restart

People living in Niigata are split over whether the plant should be restarted or not.

The governor informed a news conference on Friday that his decision would be debated in December at a local government meeting, where he would seek the body's consent.

The approval would be for the resumption of activities at the facility's sixth reactor, subsequently the No 7.

Context and Corporate Recovery Plan

The recommencement of functioning at the station is part of Tepco's business reconstruction plan following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, which was caused by a massive 9.0 quake and huge tidal wave.

When the facility's atomic cores were flooded by the surge, it caused radioactive leaks and required numerous residents to be relocated from the zone.

The Japanese government mandated all its nuclear power plant reactors to be shut down in 2011 following the disaster. From that point, fourteen units have restarted.

The company was instructed to pay trillions of Japanese yen in compensation to those harmed and is also covering the station's closure expenditures.

Local Sentiment and Worries

A study released by Niigata prefecture last month showed that 50% of its locals supported the plant's restart, while nearly half were opposed. It also revealed that almost seven in ten of residents in the area were worried about the company operating the station.

Power Goals and Future

The recent ruling illustrates a desire among some in Japan to progress to expanded reliance of nuclear power to reduce use of carbon-based fuels, as the nation aims for a goal of carbon neutrality.