Japan has recommenced operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear facility in the world. The restart follows a temporary suspension earlier this year due to a minor technical fault, according to the operating company.
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) confirmed in a statement that the plant, located in Niigata Prefecture on Japan’s west coast, was brought back online at 2:00 PM local time on Monday. The initial attempt to restart the reactor earlier in January had been halted after an alarm related to the monitoring system was triggered, marking the first attempt to resume operations at the plant since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The 2011 Fukushima catastrophe occurred after a devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused three reactors to melt down, prompting Japan to shut down the majority of its nuclear power stations. Since then, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa remained largely inactive. However, the Japanese government has recently emphasised a shift back towards nuclear energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, meet rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence and technological growth, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Following a decisive victory in the Sunday elections, conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reaffirmed her support for nuclear energy as a means of sustaining Japan’s economic momentum.
On 21 January, TEPCO had attempted to restart one of the plant’s seven reactors, but the effort was suspended the following day when an alarm in the monitoring system was activated. At a press conference last week, TEPCO officials explained that the alarm had been triggered by a minor fluctuation in electricity flow through a cable, which remained well within safety limits. Adjustments to the alarm settings have since been completed, and authorities have confirmed that the reactor is now safe for operation.
TEPCO has indicated that, following a second full inspection, the reactor is expected to enter commercial power generation from 18 March or shortly thereafter.
The restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is seen as a critical step not only for Japan’s energy security but also for meeting international climate commitments. Experts note that reliable nuclear power will help Japan reduce fossil fuel imports while supporting the country’s expanding technological and industrial sectors.
Below is a summary of the plant’s key details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Niigata Prefecture, Japan |
| Operator | Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) |
| Total Reactors | 7 |
| Reactor Restarted | 1 (initial phase) |
| Initial Restart Attempt | 21 January 2026 (suspended due to alarm) |
| Planned Commercial Operation | 18 March 2026 or later |
| Reason for Suspension | Minor fluctuation in electricity flow triggered alarm |
| Strategic Goals | Reduce fossil fuel dependency, meet rising electricity demand, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 |
Analysts suggest that this move signals a pragmatic approach by Japan to balance economic growth, technological development, and environmental responsibility, while cautiously managing the legacy of Fukushima.