In a landmark decision, the Niigata Prefectural Assembly has voted to approve the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world's biggest nuclear facility, marking a significant step in Japan's return to nuclear energy following the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the plant has been offline since a 2007 earthquake and further idled in the wake of the Fukushima incident, which led to a nationwide shutdown of nuclear reactors.
This approval represents a watershed moment in Japan's energy policy, as the country seeks to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and bolster its power supply amid growing demands for stable, low-carbon energy sources.
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, located in Niigata Prefecture, boasts seven reactors with a total capacity of approximately 8 gigawatts, making it the largest nuclear power station globally.
TEPCO plans to initially bring the No. 6 reactor, with an output of 1.35 million kilowatts, back online as early as January 20, 2026, pending final safety checks and regulatory oversight.
"Today's vote underscores our commitment to safe and reliable nuclear power as a cornerstone of Japan's energy future," said TEPCO President Tomoaki Kobayakawa. "We have implemented rigorous safety enhancements and worked closely with local communities to ensure the highest standards are met, learning from the lessons of the past."
Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi, who previously greenlit the restart, emphasized the economic benefits for the region, including job creation and energy stability. Since the Fukushima disaster, Japan has cautiously reactivated 14 of its 33 operable reactors, but the restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is poised to significantly boost national capacity.
The decision follows extensive reviews by the Nuclear Regulation Authority, which confirmed the plant's compliance with post-Fukushima safety regulations, including strengthened defenses against earthquakes and tsunamis. Local opposition has been addressed through transparent dialogue and community engagement initiatives.