Japan Moves Closer to Restarting World’s Largest Nuclear Plant

Japan is moving closer to restarting the world’s largest nuclear power plant for the first time since the Fukushima disaster, BBC reports. Niigata governor Hideyo Hanazumi has backed a partial restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility, which has been idle since 2011.

His decision will be debated at a prefectural assembly meeting in December, where he will seek formal approval. The plan covers the restart of reactor No 6, followed later by No 7, but must also be cleared by Japan’s nuclear regulator.

It would be the first time Tepco is allowed to operate a nuclear reactor since the meltdown triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami. The disaster forced 150,000 people to evacuate and led to all reactors nationwide being shut down. Fourteen have since returned to service.

Residents remain split over the restart, with a recent survey showing 50 % in favour and 47% against. Many still express concern about Tepco’s role in running the plant.

The move highlights renewed interest in nuclear energy as Japan seeks to cut reliance on fossil fuels and progress towards net zero emissions.