A major move in Japan’s energy strategy
Japan is on the verge of restarting the Kashiwazaki‑Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Niigata Prefecture — long recognised as the world’s largest nuclear power plant by capacity. Operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the facility incorporates seven reactors and boasts a combined capacity of approximately 8,000 MW. Having been shut down after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa’s restart would signal a pivot in Japan’s cautious approach to nuclear energy.
What’s happening now
- The national regulator, the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), has approved TEPCO’s application to restart two reactors at the site.
- Local authorities in Niigata have given their nod for the restart, subject to final inspections and safety checks.
- The plant has undergone upgrades including a 15-metre tsunami wall, elevated backup power systems and other seismic safety measures to comply with post-Fukushima regulatory standards.
Why this matters
- Japan has been heavily reliant on fossil-fuel imports since the 2011 disaster shut down much of its nuclear fleet. Restarting Kashiwazaki-Kariwa would alleviate energy supply pressures and help meet decarbonisation goals.
- The move may shift Japan’s energy policy away from its previous “nuclear phase-out” direction toward a more nuclear-inclusive strategy. Analysts call it a strong signal of Japan re-embracing atomic power.
- The restart could have economic implications: reducing Japan’s fuel import bills, stabilising energy supply for industry, and potentially lowering electricity prices for consumers.
Challenges & public sentiment
- Local consent remains essential: despite regulatory approval, public opposition in Niigata and neighbouring communities continues to be significant.
- Safety concerns linger — Japan is earthquake- and tsunami-prone, and memories of Fukushima remain fresh. The upgrade and safety procedures at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa will be closely scrutinised.
- TEPCO still bears reputational baggage from its role in the Fukushima disaster and has been under intense regulatory oversight in recent years.
What to watch next
- When exactly the reactors will be shipped back online and begin feeding power into the grid.
- Whether the government will announce further nuclear restarts as part of its broader energy roadmap toward 2040 and beyond.
- The reaction of civil society and neighbouring local communities, including any protests or legal challenges.
- How Japan’s utilities balance nuclear restarts with the growth of renewables and energy storage solutions.
The takeaway
Japan edging closer to restarting Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is a pivotal moment in its energy trajectory. It reflects a strategic shift toward re-integrating nuclear power after years of caution, driven by energy security and climate considerations. But the actual restart will depend not just on paperwork and regulators — it will hinge on public trust, safety assurances and clear transparency.
