Regional approval clears path for Kashiwazaki-Kariwa revival amid protests and energy security push

Japan Moves Closer to Restarting World’s Largest Nuclear Power Plant After Fukushima.                                                                                                                          

Japan has taken a major step towards restarting the world’s largest nuclear power plant, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster. A vote of confidence passed by the Niigata prefectural assembly in support of Governor Hideyo Hanazumi has cleared the final regional hurdle for resuming operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). Located about 220 km northwest of Tokyo, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa was shut down in 2011 along with other reactors after the Fukushima Daiichi accident. Japan has since restarted 14 reactors as it seeks to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen energy security. TEPCO is considering restarting the first of the plant’s seven reactors as early as January. The move has sparked strong opposition, with protests highlighting safety concerns and lingering distrust of TEPCO. Surveys show many residents remain uneasy despite promises of investment and economic benefits. The restart could boost power supply to the Tokyo region and support Japan’s goal of increasing nuclear energy’s share to 20% by 2040.