Japan’s TEPCO is nearing the restart of its first nuclear reactor

the former operator of the crippled Fukushima plant.

This is in order to restore its nuclear activity for the first time

since the Fukushima disaster in 2011.

According to Reuters, the governor of Niigata Prefecture, Hideo Hanazumi,

He is preparing to give the green light to operate Unit 6

at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant.

It is the world’s largest nuclear power plant in terms of capacity.

This approval represents the final hurdle to TEPCO’s return to nuclear activity

after more than a decade of being shut down due to the Fukushima disaster.

High energy costs

According to Reuters, the restart of Unit 6 – along with Unit 7 later –

This would enhance Japan’s ability to produce electricity domestically.

It reduces its heavy reliance on liquefied natural gas imports,

amid rising global energy costs.

The agency also noted that TEPCO offered to allocate 100 billion Japanese yen

to support local communities surrounding the plant.

This is aimed at securing popular and political support for the restart plan.

This comes amid continued fears among a segment of the population

of a repeat of the Fukushima scenario.

This is despite the massive improvements made to

the nuclear safety systems at the plant.

Enhancing energy security

This move comes as part of the Japanese government’s policy

of supporting the expansion of nuclear reactor operations.

This is aimed at enhancing energy security and reducing import costs.

According to observers quoted by Reuters, this also reflects an important

shift in the way Japan deals with the energy issue

after years of shutdown and hesitation.

Restart procedures may begin next year,

marking TEPCO’s first actual return to nuclear activity.

Since the Fukushima disaster, which changed the rules

of industry within Japan and around the world.

Since the Fukushima disaster, which changed the rules

of industry within Japan and around the world.