Japan Takes Steps Nearer to Recommencing Operations at the World's Largest Nuclear Power Plant
Officials are moving toward approving the restart of the planet's biggest atomic energy station—the first time it would be operated since the catastrophic 2011 Fukushima event.
Hideyo Hanazumi, leader of the Niigata area where the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear facility is situated, announced he has approved for the partial restart.
The plan to recommence functioning at the station, managed by utility company Tepco, must obtain authorization from the regional legislative body and the Japanese nuclear oversight body before it can move forward.
If approved, it would be the first time Tepco would be permitted to resume nuclear reactor operations in Japan since its Fukushima facility went into meltdown after a massive wave.
Local Residents Divided on Resumption
Residents in Niigata are split over whether the plant should be restarted or not.
Hanazumi stated at a media event on Friday that his determination 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 resumption of activities at the facility's No 6 reactor, then the No 7.
Context and Corporate Reconstruction Plan
The restart of activities at the facility is part of the utility's company revitalization initiative following the Fukushima meltdown, which was resulted from a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and massive tsunami.
When the station's units were flooded by the tidal wave, it led to radiation to leak out and compelled 150,000 people to be relocated from the zone.
Japan directed all its nuclear power plant reactors to be deactivated in that year after the incident. From that point, 14 reactors have resumed operations.
Tepco was instructed to pay massive sums in damages to those impacted and is also funding the facility's shutdown expenses.
Public Opinion and Worries
A poll published by the local government in the previous month showed that 50% of its residents backed the station's reactivation, while 47% were against it. It also suggested that almost seven in ten of residents in the area were worried about the utility managing the station.
Power Goals and Ahead
The governor's approval shows a inclination among some in Japan to progress to expanded reliance of nuclear power to reduce use of fossil fuels, as the country pursues a target of carbon neutrality.