TEPCO's Kashiwazaki Kariwa Plant Clears Restart Hurdle

Shares of Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) rose 2.5% in early trading on Friday, following the announcement by Hideyo Hanazumi, the governor of Niigata prefecture, that he had cleared two reactors at TEPCO's Kashiwazaki Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant to restart. This decision marks a significant milestone for Japan's energy industry, which has been grappling with the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. According to sources, Governor Hanazumi made the announcement at a media conference on Friday, stating that he would ask the local assembly to decide whether it has confidence in his decision and will allow him to continue in office, a formal step that will confirm the restart. The move is seen as a major breakthrough for TEPCO, which has been struggling to revive its nuclear power business since the Fukushima disaster. The Kashiwazaki Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, located in Kashiwazaki, Niigata, is the world's largest nuclear power plant, with a total capacity of 8,212 megawatts. The plant has been shut down since 2011, following a series of safety concerns and regulatory hurdles. The two reactors cleared for restart are Units 6 and 7, which have been under maintenance and inspection since the shutdown. Governor Hanazumi emphasized the importance of the decision, stating, "This is a crucial step towards reviving Japan's nuclear power industry, which is essential for our country's energy security." He added, "We will continue to work closely with TEPCO to ensure the safe operation of the plant and to address any concerns that may arise." The restart of the Kashiwazaki Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant is seen as a significant development for Japan's energy industry, which has been heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels since the Fukushima disaster. The plant's restart is expected to increase Japan's nuclear power capacity by 10%, helping to reduce the country's reliance on imported energy sources. Industry experts have welcomed the decision, citing the importance of nuclear power in Japan's energy mix. "This is a major breakthrough for Japan's nuclear industry," said Hiroshi Takahashi, a nuclear energy expert at the University of Tokyo. "The restart of the Kashiwazaki Kariwa plant will help to reduce Japan's dependence on imported energy and will also provide a much-needed boost to the country's economy." The restart of the plant is expected to take several months, with TEPCO planning to begin the process of reactivating the reactors in early 2026. The company has promised to conduct thorough safety inspections and to address any concerns that may arise during the restart process. In a statement, TEPCO said, "We are grateful for the governor's decision and look forward to working closely with him and the local community to ensure the safe operation of the plant." The company added, "We will continue to prioritize safety and transparency throughout the restart process and will work to address any concerns that may arise." The decision to restart the Kashiwazaki Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant is seen as a significant step towards reviving Japan's nuclear power industry, which has been struggling to recover since the Fukushima disaster. The plant's restart is expected to have a major impact on Japan's energy industry, reducing the country's reliance on imported energy sources and providing a much-needed boost to the economy.