• Japan's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant is set to restart following approval from local authorities.
• The restart marks the first nuclear operation since the Fukushima disaster in 2011.
• Concern remains among residents regarding the safety and management of the plant.

On November 21, 2023, Niigata Prefecture Governor Hideyo Hanazumi announced his approval for the restart of Reactor No. 6 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, marking a historic moment for Japan's energy sector as it attempts to revive its nuclear capabilities post-Fukushima. This decision, however, still requires final consent from Japan's nuclear regulator, which will follow discussions with the local assembly starting December 2, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, AA, and BBC.

This decision is viewed as a critical step towards alleviating Japan's dependence on fossil fuels, which constitutes 60% to 70% of the country's energy generation needs. Following a stringent review, reactor safety concerns were addressed, enabling the operation to align with renewed nuclear energy policies. The government's support for this restart reflects a broader initiative to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined by various sources including Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, the world's largest nuclear facility, has been inactive since 2012 and is designed to withstand natural disasters, having implemented new flood defense measures and backup systems. This restart would be the first for the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) since the Fukushima plant's catastrophic failure, urging TEPCO to enhance its operational stability and contribute to compensatory measures for Fukushima victims, as noted by AA and BBC.

Despite favorable administrative approvals, public opinion remains divided; a recent survey indicated that 50% of Niigata residents support the plant's restart, while concerns persist regarding TEPCO's management practices. Governor Hanazumi expressed this sentiment, acknowledging the mixed reactions amongst the local populace regarding the safety of the plant, an aspect highlighted by sources such as Channel News Asia and BBC.