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Japan Reactor Restart: Nuclear Power's Comeback?
8 Jan
Summary
- Japan will restart its 15th nuclear reactor, the first by TEPCO since Fukushima.
- Public support for nuclear power is rising due to cost and safety regulations.
- Regulator found wrongdoing in seismic data submission by Chubu Electric.
Japan is preparing to restart its 15th nuclear reactor, the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata, marking a significant step for Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) since the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi meltdown. This reactivation is occurring as public opinion on nuclear energy shows a gradual resurgence, influenced by enhanced safety protocols and escalating expenses associated with imported fossil fuels.
Despite growing confidence, challenges persist. Japan's nuclear watchdog recently reported "wrongdoing" by Chubu Electric concerning seismic data submitted for the Hamaoka plant. This facility's proximity to a seismically active zone raises concerns about potential future "megaquakes," with government estimates projecting substantial loss of life and economic damage.
The government is prioritizing nuclear power and advanced technologies for energy self-sufficiency, aiming for nuclear to provide about 20 percent of electricity by 2030. While public support is rising, with a recent survey indicating 44.7 percent in favor, local unease and distrust toward operators like TEPCO remain evident in prefectures like Niigata.
