Japan Restarts World’s Largest Nuclear Plant After 15-Year Shutdown
The plant, located in Niigata Prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast, has a total capacity of 7,965 megawatts, enough to power millions of homes. Japanese officials say the restart will bolster energy security and help meet climate goals by replacing fossil fuel-generated electricity with low-carbon nuclear energy. Despite government assurances, t
he decision has sparked protests from local communities and environmental groups. Critics warn of potential safety risks, citing the facility’s location near seismic fault lines. In response, plant operators have emphasized extensive seismic reinforcements and modernized safety systems implemented over the past decade. Energy Minister Yuki Tanaka stated, “Restarting Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is essential for Japan’s transition to a stable, sustainable energy future. Safety remains our top priority, and all precautions have been taken to protect the local population and environment.” The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility had been offline since 2011 due to heightened safety regulations and public opposition after the Fukushima nuclear accident. Its reactivation represents Japan’s most ambitious nuclear restart in years, highlighting the government’s focus on balancing energy independence with climate commitments. Source: Al Jazeera