Japan Approves Restart of World’s Largest Nuclear Power Plant After 15-Year Freeze
Japan has voted to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant nearly 15 years after it was shut down in the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, according to Reuters. The facility, the largest nuclear power plant in the world by capacity, has remained offline amid safety concerns and regulatory hurdles since 2011.
The move comes as Japan seeks to curb its heavy reliance on imported energy. Last year alone, the country spent around $68 billion on liquefied natural gas and coal. Authorities argue that bringing nuclear reactors back online is essential to reducing dependence on foreign fuel and stabilizing energy costs.
Under the government’s long-term energy strategy, Japan aims to double nuclear power’s share of electricity generation to 20% by 2040. Officials say the restart will be carried out under stricter safety standards, reflecting lessons learned from Fukushima, as the country recalibrates its energy policy amid global supply pressures.
