Japan is preparing to restart operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world’s largest, marking a major step in the country’s gradual return to nuclear energy more than a decade after the Fukushima disaster.
The move received approval on Monday after Niigata prefecture’s assembly passed a vote of confidence in Governor Hideyo Hanazumi, who supports the partial restart. The decision clears the way for Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) to resume operations at the plant, which has been shut since 2011.
Japan closed all 54 of its reactors following the Fukushima triple meltdown triggered by an earthquake and tsunami. However, rising energy costs, emissions concerns and reliance on imported fossil fuels have pushed successive governments to reverse course. Fourteen of the country’s 33 operable reactors have since been brought back online.
According to public broadcaster NHK, TEPCO is considering restarting the first of the plant’s seven reactors as early as January 20. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry estimates that a single reactor could increase electricity supply to the Tokyo region by about 2 percent.
The decision has sparked protests from local residents and Fukushima disaster survivors, highlighting continued public unease over nuclear safety despite government assurances and promises of economic benefits.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Gold soared past $4,400 per ounce for the first time on Monday, driven by growing expectations of US rate cuts and strong demand for safe-haven assets. Silver also joined the rally, reaching an all-time high.
