Japan Restarts Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant

Overview: Japan has taken a major step toward restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world’s largest nuclear facility, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster. With local consent approved by the Niigata Prefectural Assembly, TEPCO can proceed with safety checks for Units 6 and 7. The move aims to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.

Riyaz

Dec-23-2025

Japan Restarts Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant

Japan is taking steps to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world's largest nuclear power plant, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima incident. The Niigata Prefectural Assembly has passed the local consent procedure, and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) can proceed with plans to restart Units 6 and 7 after completing a safety inspection and obtaining other relevant approvals. This announcement will be a significant step in Japanese energy policy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, boost energy security, and increase the share of nuclear in the electrical grid. Operations are anticipated to commence as early as 2026.

Why Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant Shutdown?

The 2011 nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan, halted nuclear operations around the country to review its safety, which led to the closure of the plant.
Tighter post-Fukushima safety measures necessitated massive improvements and inspections that stalled restart arrangements.
Security breaches, such as flaws in anti-terror and access control systems, led the regulating bodies to shut down operations.
The approval of the restart was based on local government and popular approval, which extended the shutdown.
Long-term lack of action was caused by strong public opposition and safety concerns regarding nuclear power.

Previous Year Question Based on Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant

Exam Name	Year	Question	Answer
UPSC Prelims	2012	Which nuclear power plant was affected by the 2011 tsunami in Japan?	Fukushima Daiichi
SSC CGL	2020	In which country is the Fukushima nuclear plant located?	Japan
NDA	2016	The Fukushima nuclear accident occurred due to which natural disaster?	Earthquake and Tsunami
CDS	2019	Japan lies in which seismic zone, making nuclear safety critical?	Pacific Ring of Fire
UPSC Prelims	2018	Which company operates the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant?	Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)
SSC CHSL	2021	Japan mainly uses nuclear energy for what purpose?	Electricity generation
NDA	2022	Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant is located in which Japanese prefecture?	Niigata
State PSC	2020	After Fukushima, which country temporarily shut down all nuclear reactors?	Japan
SSC GD	2023	Nuclear reactors are primarily used to produce what?	Electricity
UPSC Mains	2014	Examine the impact of the Fukushima nuclear disaster on Japan’s energy policy.	Shift to stricter nuclear safety and diversification

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Conclusion (Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant)

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant accident was restarted, which indicates that Japan started paying closer attention to energy security and reliance on fossil fuel imports. The relocation is expected to be more environmentally friendly by balancing the requirement of clean energies with the safety concerns of the people following Fukushima, due to increased safety measures and regulatory measures.