The nation of Japan Moves Nearer to Restarting the World's Largest Atomic Energy Facility
Japan is edging closer to authorizing the resumption of the planet's biggest atomic energy station—marking the initial occasion it would be running since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Hideyo Hanazumi, leader of the Niigata area where the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power plant is located, said he has given the green light for the partial restart.
The proposal to restart activities at the station, run by the Tepco utility firm, must obtain consent from the regional legislative body and Japan's nuclear regulator before it can move forward.
If approved, it would be the first time Tepco would be allowed to recommence nuclear reactor operations in Japan since its Fukushima plant suffered a core meltdown in the wake of a tsunami.
Regional Residents Divided on Restart
People living in Niigata are of differing opinions over whether the plant should be restarted or not.
The governor informed a press briefing on the end of the week that his ruling would be considered in the final month of the year at a prefectural government assembly, where he would pursue the legislature's authorization.
The consent would be for the restart of operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant's No 6 reactor, followed by the Reactor 7.
Background and Corporate Reconstruction Plan
The resumption of operations at the station is part of Tepco's corporate recovery strategy following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, which was triggered by a massive 9.0 quake and huge tidal wave.
When the plant's reactors were flooded by the surge, it led to the release of radiation and compelled 150,000 people to be moved from the area.
Japan ordered all its nuclear power plant reactors to be deactivated in that year following the disaster. Afterward, a number of reactors have restarted.
The company was ordered to pay trillions of Japanese yen in compensation to those impacted and is also covering the plant's decommissioning costs.
Local Sentiment and Worries
A survey published by Niigata prefecture recently indicated that half of its locals backed the facility's resumption, while nearly half were in disagreement. It also revealed that almost seven in ten of people in the area were concerned about the company operating the facility.
Energy Goals and Ahead
The governor's approval demonstrates a inclination among certain groups in the country to progress to expanded reliance of atomic energy to lessen reliance on traditional energy sources, as the country aims for a objective of net zero carbon emissions.
