Japan's Onagawa Nuclear Reactor Halted Due to Technical Issues

A nuclear reactor in Japan's Onagawa power station was taken offline on Monday due to equipment issues, just days after being restarted following a 13-year hiatus.

The reactor, located in northern Japan, was initially shut down after the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that severely damaged the nearby Fukushima Daiichi plant.

The Onagawa No. 2 reactor was brought back online on 29 October, marking a significant moment as it prepared to generate electricity again in early November.

However, Tohoku Electric Power Company, the plant operator, reported that the reactor had to be shut down on Sunday due to a malfunction in the neutron data monitoring equipment.

Tohoku Electric Power Company confirmed that the reactor had been operating smoothly before the issue and assured that no radiation leaks were detected.

The company stated it decided to suspend operations to conduct thorough equipment inspections and address any potential safety concerns affecting nearby residents. No new date has been set for the reactor’s next restart.

This unexpected shutdown highlights the ongoing challenges Japan faces as it seeks to balance energy needs with safety concerns following the catastrophic Fukushima disaster.

The 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami not only impacted Fukushima but also led to rigorous safety checks and changes to nuclear energy policies across the country.