Japan Approves Restart of World’s Largest Nuclear Power Plant

Japan has approved the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant, the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility, after local authorities in Niigata Prefecture granted the necessary clearance this week.

The decision marks a major step toward reactivating the plant more than a decade after the Fukushima disaster prompted the shutdown of all nuclear reactors in the country.

Niigata Governor Hideo Hanazumi confirmed the local approval, noting that the restart still requires final authorization from Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) plans to reactivate the plant’s two largest units, No. 6 and No. 7, which together generate 2,710 megawatts of electricity. In comparison, some of the remaining five units may be decommissioned. The total capacity of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa reaches 8,212 megawatts.

TEPCO completed fuel loading and testing for Reactor No. 6 in October, confirming that all critical systems are fully operational. The company has also pledged 100 billion yen ($644 million) to support local communities; a measure aimed at securing public backing for the long-delayed restart despite some local opposition.

The reactivation of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa represents a pivotal moment in Japan’s efforts to restore nuclear power as a key component of its energy strategy, balancing energy security with post-Fukushima safety reforms.