Niigata Approves TEPCO's First Nuclear Reactor Restart Since Fukushima

NIIGATA, Japan - On Friday, Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi gave approval for the resumption of operations at two nuclear reactors located ...

NIIGATA, Japan - On Friday, Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi gave approval for the resumption of operations at two nuclear reactors located at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power station, marking the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, one of the most severe nuclear incidents globally, that the facility's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc., has restarted its units.

Hanazumi took the decision even though he recognized that people in the Sea of Japan coastal prefecture are "strongly split" regarding the restart of reactors No. 6 and 7 at the seven-unit facility, with ongoing worries about TEPCO's handling of the plant after multiple safety issues.

The governor's consent is crucial for the restart following several meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which occurred due to a major earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011.

More than half of the nation's 33 functional nuclear reactors remain shut down, yet the Japanese government has adjusted its energy strategy to prioritize nuclear power, regarding it as a reliable and carbon-free energy option.

If the prefectural assembly, located northwest of Tokyo, approves the plan before the year ends, the No.6 unit might be restarted as early as January, according to an informed source. The technical preparations have already been finalized.

Hanazumi, who did not specify his stance following his 2018 appointment, stated at a press event in Niigata that, in approving the restart, he will request the government to implement seven actions, including constructing roads for evacuation during an emergency and thoroughly informing residents about safety protocols.

In March 2024, Hanazumi was requested by the then industry minister responsible for nuclear policy to back the restart.

"I am convinced that as public awareness of safety measures and disaster prevention methods grows, so will their backing for the restart," he stated.

The governor stated that he will request the prefectural assembly to debate whether he can continue serving as governor following his most recent decision during its 20-day session beginning on December 2.

If the assembly approves the governor's choice, Hanazumi will inform the state, concluding the procedure for securing local approval. The leaders of Kashiwazaki and Kariwa, the towns that house the nuclear facility, typically back the restart.

Ryosei Akazawa, the newly appointed industry minister who began his role this year, stated during a press briefing, "I am deeply appreciative of the governor's choice."

The two units had passed safety inspections by the Nuclear Regulation Authority according to more rigorous safety rules implemented after the Fukushima incident in December 2017.

The Japanese administration aims for the revival to ensure a reliable supply of power to Tokyo and nearby regions.

TEPCO considers the restart to be a key component of its business strategy, aiming to boost income that can be directed towards compensating those impacted by the Fukushima nuclear disaster and reducing electricity charges.

Hanazumi's endorsement occurs even with some local resistance to the restart and ongoing skepticism towards TEPCO due to the Fukushima disaster and various safety problems, such as an unauthorized entry incident, at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility.

A recent survey of Niigata residents this month revealed that 50 percent supported restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, whereas 47 percent opposed it, with almost 70 percent expressing worries about TEPCO managing its operations.

More than a decade since the Fukushima disaster, numerous residents remain unable to return to their homes because of elevated radiation levels. TEPCO continues to follow the plan to decommission the Fukushima Daiichi facility by 2051, although it has consistently delayed various stages because of ongoing challenges.

The security concerns at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility in 2021 prompted the Nuclear Regulation Authority to prohibit TEPCO from transferring nuclear fuel within the site, which essentially halted the resumption of the nuclear reactor's operations. This restriction was removed in December 2023.

Hungry for approval, TEPCO announced in October that it would distribute approximately 100 billion yen ($644 million) to the Niigata prefectural government to support the regional economy's recovery. It also mentioned that it will evaluate the possibility of decommissioning units 1 and 2 at the facility.