Japan approves restart of world’s largest nuclear power plant

TOKYO: The Japanese government has approved the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant, the first such move since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, according to reports.

The Reactor No. 6 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power plant, is expected to resume operations in March 2026 and the Niigata provincial governor Hideyo Hanazumi gave its approval.

The 8.2-gigawatt facility, which houses seven reactors, has been idle since 2012 following the Fukushima Daiichi meltdown triggered by a tsunami. The Japanese government supports the restart, citing nuclear power as a “stable and carbon-free energy source.”

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) described the move as a key pillar for its operations, saying it would boost revenues that could help compensate people affected by the Fukushima accident.

Only Reactor No. 6 has been prepared for restart, with nuclear fuel already installed. If the process proceeds smoothly, it will become operational by the end of March 2026.

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