What’s going on
- Japan has approved restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, which has been shut since the Fukushima accident in 2011.
- Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is in Niigata prefecture on Japan's west coast. It is often described as the world's largest nuclear power station by capacity.
- Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) operates the plant. TEPCO also operated the Fukushima Daiichi plant that suffered meltdowns after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
- National regulators have been involved in the restart process, including safety reviews and required upgrades. Japan tightened nuclear rules after 2011, and plants seeking restarts must meet stricter standards.
- The plan has faced local opposition and political pushback in Niigata. Local leaders and residents cite earthquake risks and lingering distrust tied to TEPCO and the Fukushima cleanup.
- The government says the restart supports energy security and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels. Japan has relied heavily on liquefied natural gas, coal, and oil since many reactors went offline after 2011.
Why it matters
- If Kashiwazaki-Kariwa returns to operation, it could shift Japan's electricity mix because of its size. More nuclear generation would likely reduce the need to run some fossil-fuel power plants.
- The decision also tests politics and public trust. Nuclear restarts depend on regulatory approval and local consent, and they can become a major issue in regional and national elections.
- Japan's climate goals are also part of the context. Nuclear power can lower power-sector emissions compared with coal and gas, but its role remains contested inside Japan.