Niigata, Japan to Restart the World’s Largest Nuclear Power Plant

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2025-11-21

Kashiwazaki_Kariwa-April_2011.jpg
Media reports say that Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi plans to approve the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant on the 21st. This facility is the largest nuclear power plant in the world, and its restart is part of Japan’s gradual return to nuclear energy following the complete shutdown of reactors after the Fukushima disaster, aimed at reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

According to the reports, the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant has a total of seven reactors, but only one is slated for restart at this time. After announcing his decision, Hanazumi must consult the prefectural assembly; if the assembly supports the proposal, he will submit a formal application to the central government.

The reports also note that after the 2011 tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster, public anxiety about nuclear power increased and Japan shut down all domestic nuclear reactors. Following the implementation of strict new safety standards, 14 reactors nationwide have since been restarted, mainly located in western and southern Japan.

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