The nation of Japan Takes Steps Closer to Recommencing Operations at the World's Largest Nuclear Power Plant
Japan is edging closer to authorizing the restart of the globe's most sizable nuclear power plant—marking the initial occasion it would be operated since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Hideyo Hanazumi, head of the Niigata prefecture where the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power plant is located, stated he has given the green light for the partial restart.
The plan to restart activities at the plant, managed by the Tepco utility firm, still needs authorization from the prefecture's government assembly and the nation's atomic regulatory agency before it can advance.
Should it be authorized, it would be the inaugural occasion Tepco would be allowed to resume atomic reactor activities in Japan since its Fukushima plant went into meltdown following a tsunami.
Regional Citizens Divided on Resumption
Local inhabitants in Niigata are of differing opinions over whether the plant should be restarted or not.
Hanazumi stated at a media event on Friday that his decision would be discussed in December at a regional assembly, where he would seek the legislature's authorization.
The consent would be for the resumption of functioning at the facility's sixth reactor, subsequently the No 7.
Background and Corporate Recovery Plan
The restart of activities at the plant is part of the utility's corporate recovery strategy in the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, which was triggered by a massive 9.0 quake and huge tidal wave.
When the station's units were submerged by the tsunami, it led to radiation to leak out and forced 150,000 people to be relocated from the region.
Japan ordered all its atomic energy facility units to be deactivated in that year after the disaster. From that point, fourteen units have resumed operations.
Tepco was instructed to pay massive sums in compensation to those affected and is also funding the facility's shutdown expenses.
Public Sentiment and Concerns
A survey released by Niigata prefecture in the previous month indicated that half of its inhabitants supported the plant's restart, while 47% were opposed. It also revealed that almost 70% of people in the prefecture were worried about the utility managing the station.
Energy Targets and Future
The governor's approval shows a desire among some in Japan to progress to increased use of nuclear power to cut use of fossil fuels, as the country seeks a goal of net zero carbon emissions.
