The world’s largest nuclear power plant is one step closer to restarting, but needs local approval

The Japanese government approved several steps last week that should help restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant. With installed capacity of more than 8 GW, it is the largest nuclear power plant in the world. However, the plant has remained offline since the devastating tsunami and the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

The plant’s operator has been planning for some time to restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, which would help the company reduce its electricity generation costs. However, TEPCO still needs to obtain local approval for the move. According to Reuters, Japan’s nuclear regulator lifted a ban on operating the plant last December. The ban had been imposed in 2021 over certain safety shortcomings.

Several Japanese ministers met last Friday and agreed to draw up a new set of measures to help ensure the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant. As part of the plan, the ministries responsible for industry and land, along with the Cabinet Office, will work with Niigata Prefecture, where the plant is located. The aim is to discuss the new measures and how they will be implemented.

In addition to improving evacuation routes for residents in the event of a nuclear accident, the government will also step up snow-clearing measures and create radiation-resistant facilities for residents, Reuters reported. Government representatives said the measures reflect requests from the governor of Niigata Prefecture, whose approval is crucial to restarting the plant. In March, he said further discussions were needed on the matter, according to Reuters.

The government also plans to launch a media campaign to inform local residents about the plant’s importance in ensuring electricity supplies in the region. It will also oversee TEPCO’s development of a framework to strengthen the plant’s management. According to the government, foreign experts and other energy companies could be involved.