Japan Moves Closer to Recommencing Operations at the Globe's Biggest Nuclear Power Plant
Japan is edging closer to giving the go-ahead for the resumption of the globe's most sizable nuclear power plant—the first time it would be running since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Hideyo Hanazumi, head of the Niigata prefecture where the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power plant is located, stated he has authorized for the partial restart.
The plan to recommence functioning at the station, managed by the Tepco utility firm, must obtain consent from the regional legislative body and the nation's atomic regulatory agency before it can advance.
Assuming consent is granted, it would be the initial instance the utility company would be allowed to resume atomic reactor activities in Japan since its Fukushima station suffered a core meltdown in the wake of a tsunami.
Regional Inhabitants Divided on Resumption
People living in Niigata are divided over whether the plant should be restarted or not.
Hanazumi stated at a news conference on Friday that his determination would be debated in December at a regional assembly, where he would seek the legislature's authorization.
The approval would be for the recommencement of operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant's Reactor 6, subsequently the Reactor 7.
Background and Business Reconstruction Plan
The recommencement of functioning at the facility is part of the utility's corporate recovery strategy following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, which was caused by a massive 9.0 quake and massive tsunami.
When the station's units were inundated by the tsunami, it resulted in radioactive leaks and required 150,000 people to be relocated from the area.
The Japanese government ordered all its atomic energy facility units to be shut down in that year after the disaster. Since then, 14 reactors have resumed operations.
Tepco was mandated to pay huge amounts in damages to those affected and is also covering the station's closure expenditures.
Local Opinion and Worries
A poll published by the region last month showed that 50% of its inhabitants favored the station's reactivation, while nearly half were opposed. It also indicated that almost 70% of people in the area were worried about Tepco running the facility.
Power Goals and Future
The recent ruling demonstrates a interest among certain groups in the country to advance toward greater utilization of nuclear power to reduce reliance on carbon-based fuels, as the country seeks a objective of net zero carbon emissions.
