Japan’s Massive Nuclear Plant Set for Restart Vote, 15 Years After Fukushima Tragedy

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa was one of the 54 reactors shut down following the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that crippled the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Watershed Moment for Nuclear Energy

Japan is nearing the final decision to restart the world’s largest nuclear facility. The pivotal moment comes on Monday as the Niigata region votes on resuming operations. This marks a significant return to nuclear energy after almost 15 years since the Fukushima disaster. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant sits roughly 220 km (136 miles) northwest of Tokyo. It was among 54 reactors closed after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. That event caused the Fukushima Daiichi plant disaster, the worst since Chernobyl. Since then, Japan has reactivated 14 of its 33 operational reactors. The country aims to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. Importantly, Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) will operate Kashiwazaki-Kariwa. TEPCO was also the operator of the damaged Fukushima plant.

Protests Amidst the Vote

Around 300 protesters gathered outside the Niigata prefecture assembly. Most attendees were older people. They carried banners reading ‘No Nukes’, ‘We oppose the restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa’, and ‘Support Fukushima’. The day was chilly and grey. Local lawmakers prepared to make their decision later that day. Temperatures were 6 degrees Celsius (42.8 degrees Fahrenheit) as the rally began. Protesters sang ‘Furusato’, a national song about one’s birthplace or ‘homeland’. “Is TEPCO qualified to run Kashiwazaki-Kariwa?”, one protester demanded into the microphone. The crowd immediately yelled: “No!” Public broadcaster NHK reported on TEPCO’s plans. If approved, TEPCO is considering reactivating the first of seven reactors on January 20. “We remain firmly committed to never repeating such an accident and ensuring Niigata residents never experience anything similar,” said TEPCO spokesperson Masakatsu Takata. Takata offered no comment on the specific timing.

Wary Residents and TEPCO’s Pledges

TEPCO earlier this year promised a major financial injection. They pledged 100 billion yen ($641 million) into the prefecture over the next 10 years. This was an attempt to gain local support. However, many residents remain very cautious. An October survey published by the prefecture showed significant doubt. It found 60% of residents felt the conditions for the restart had not been met. Furthermore, nearly 70% were anxious about TEPCO operating the facility. Ayako Oga, 52, is one such resident. She moved to Niigata after escaping the Fukushima area in 2011. Her previous home was inside the 20 km exclusion zone. The farmer and anti-nuclear activist is now protesting this perceived new threat. “We know firsthand the risk of a nuclear accident and cannot dismiss it,” Oga stated. She also mentioned still struggling with post-traumatic stress-like symptoms from the Fukushima incident. Even Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi, who supported the restart last month, hopes for less nuclear reliance eventually. “I want to see an era where we don’t have to rely on energy sources that cause anxiety,” he explained.

Strengthening Energy Security

The prefecture’s assembly will hold a vote of confidence on Governor Hanazumi on Monday. This serves as a key measure of support for the restart. This vote is seen as the final obstacle before TEPCO can reactivate the first reactor. Japan’s trade ministry estimated a 2% boost to the Tokyo area’s electricity supply from this single reactor. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in office for two months, strongly supports nuclear restarts. This aims to enhance energy security. It also counters the high cost of imported fossil fuels. Imported fuels currently supply 60% to 70% of Japan’s electricity. Last year, Japan spent 10.7 trillion yen ($68 billion) on imported liquefied natural gas and coal. This accounted for a tenth of all import costs. Japan’s energy demand is expected to climb despite a declining population. This is due to a boom in power-hungry AI data centres. To meet these needs and decarbonisation goals, Japan aims to double nuclear power’s share. The target is 20% of the electricity mix by 2040. Joshua Ngu of Wood Mackenzie called public acceptance of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa restart a “critical milestone.” In July, Kansai Electric Power, Japan’s leading nuclear operator, began planning for a new reactor. This would be the first new unit since Fukushima. But for Oga, who protested outside the assembly, the nuclear revival is terrifying. She chanted ‘Never forget Fukushima’s lessons!’ with others. “As a victim of the Fukushima nuclear accident, I wish that no one, whether in Japan or anywhere in the world, ever again suffers the damage of a nuclear accident,” she concluded.