World’s largest nuclear power plant to restart in Japan
Japan has restarted operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world’s largest nuclear facility, nearly 15 years after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
The plant’s Reactor No. 6 was brought back online this week by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in Niigata Prefecture, marking the first time a TEPCO-operated reactor has resumed activity since the Fukushima meltdown.
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With a capacity of 1.36 gigawatts, the reactor is part of the 8.2-gigawatt Kashiwazaki-Kariwa complex, which has been largely inactive since all Japanese nuclear reactors were shut down in the wake of the 2011 tragedy.
TEPCO said the restart followed the resolution of a minor technical issue and successful completion of all safety checks. The reactor is expected to begin full commercial service by late February 2026.
The move is seen as a major step in Japan’s efforts to strengthen its energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and advance its decarbonization goals. However, concerns remain among some members of the public due to the plant’s history and Japan’s ongoing debate over nuclear energy’s role.
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The restart also signals a broader shift in Japan’s energy policy as more reactors undergo safety reviews for potential reactivation in the coming years.
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