Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Japan's Largest Nuclear Plant Moves Closer to Restart
Japan is planning to turn on its biggest nuclear power plant again, which has been shut down since a big earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
The plant has been made safer and the government wants to use nuclear power to help fight climate change and reduce the need to import fuel.
Japanese authorities approved the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant
This is the first such approval since the 2011 Fukushima disaster
The plant's restart requires final permission from Japan's nuclear regulator
Japan aims to revive nuclear energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and achieve carbon neutrality
The plant has been upgraded with tsunami defenses and new safety measures
- Who
- Japanese local authorities, Hideyo Hanazumi (governor of Niigata province), Tepco (operator of Fukushima and Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plants), Kansai Electric
- What
- Approved the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata province, Japan
- Why
- To reduce dependence on fossil fuels, achieve carbon neutrality, and meet growing energy needs
Pro-Nuclear Restart
Anti-Nuclear Restart
Energy Independence
Pro-Nuclear Restart
Nuclear power can reduce Japan's dependence on imported fossil fuels
Anti-Nuclear Restart
Renewable energy sources can also achieve this goal without nuclear risks
Climate Change
Pro-Nuclear Restart
Nuclear power has low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels
Anti-Nuclear Restart
Renewable energy sources have zero emissions and are safer
Safety Concerns
Pro-Nuclear Restart
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant has been upgraded with new safety measures
Anti-Nuclear Restart
Nuclear power plants pose unacceptable risks, as seen in the Fukushima disaster
- Plant Size
- World's biggest nuclear plant
- Location
- Niigata province, Japan
- Status Before 2011
- Generated about a third of Japan's electricity
- Current Status
- Shut down since 2011, awaiting final restart approval
- Japan's CO2 Emissions Rank
- 5th largest single-country emitter
- Target for Renewable Energy
- Top power source by 2040