Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Japan Votes on Restarting World's Largest Nuclear Plant
Japan is getting ready to turn back on the world's biggest nuclear power plant, called Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, which has been closed since the big earthquake and tsunami in 2011 that caused the Fukushima disaster.
The company that runs the plant, TEPCO, wants to start it up again to make more electricity for Tokyo and to use less expensive foreign fuel.
But many people in the area are worried and don't want the plant to restart because they remember how scary the Fukushima accident was.
The local government will vote on whether to allow the restart, and if they say yes, the first reactor could start working again in January.
The Japanese government wants to use more nuclear power in the future to help the environment, but some people are afraid it could cause another accident.
Some people are protesting against the restart, saying they don't trust TEPCO to run the plant safely.
The governor of Niigata, who supports the restart, hopes that one day Japan won't need to rely on nuclear power.
Japan is preparing to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world's largest, 15 years after the Fukushima disaster.
The plant is operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) and is located about 220 km northwest of Tokyo.
TEPCO has pledged to invest 100 billion yen ($641 million) in the Niigata prefecture over the next 10 years to gain local support.
A survey found that 60% of Niigata residents do not think conditions for the restart have been met, and nearly 70% are worried about TEPCO operating the plant.
The Japanese government aims to double the share of nuclear power in its electricity mix to 20% by 2040 to meet energy demands and decarbonization commitments.
- Who
- Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) and the Japanese government
- What
- Restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant
- When
- Vote on December 22, potential restart on January 20
- Where
- Niigata, Japan
- Why
- To strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and meet decarbonization commitments
- Plant Name
- Kashiwazaki-Kariwa
- Location
- Niigata, Japan
- Operator
- Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO)
- Distance from Tokyo
- 220 km (136 miles)
- Number of Reactors
- 7
- Expected Restart Date
- January 20 (considered, not confirmed)
- Investment in Niigata
- 100 billion yen ($641 million) over 10 years
- Public Support
- 60% of residents oppose restart, 70% worry about TEPCO operating the plant
Sources
Japan prepares to restart world’s biggest nuclear plant, 15 years after Fukushima
Japan To Restart World's Biggest Nuclear Plant, 15 Years After Fukushima
Japan nears restart of world's biggest nuclear plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, 15 years after Fukushima
Japan set to restart world’s largest nuclear power plant, 15 years after Fukushima disaster
