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Japan's Nuclear Giant Awakens After 15 Years
22 Dec
Summary
- Niigata region to endorse restart of world's largest nuclear plant.
- TEPCO, operator of Fukushima, seeks support with 100 billion yen injection.
- Energy security goals push nuclear revival amid rising AI data center demand.
Japan is on the verge of restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world's largest, following a regional endorsement expected on December 22, 2025. This move signifies a major shift back to nuclear energy for the nation, a path pursued since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. TEPCO, the operator of the now-defunct Fukushima Daiichi plant, is seeking to reactivate the first of seven reactors by January 20, 2026.
Despite TEPCO's pledge of 100 billion yen to Niigata prefecture over ten years, local sentiment remains cautious. A recent survey indicated that 60% of residents believe restart conditions are unmet, with nearly 70% expressing concern about TEPCO's operation. Activists, like Ayako Oga who fled Fukushima, voice deep-seated fears stemming from past experiences.
The restart is critical for Japan's energy security, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive imported fossil fuels which constitute 60-70% of its electricity. With rising energy demand, fueled partly by AI data centers, Japan targets doubling nuclear power's share to 20% by 2040. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa restart is a vital milestone towards this goal.
