Kashiwazaki–Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company, in Niigata Prefecture. (©Sankei)
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The restart of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)'s Kashiwazaki–Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture marks a turning point for Japan's energy policy.
Electricity demand is rising, largely due to the rapid growth of AI-related data centers. In response, the Japanese government has signaled its intention to maximize the use of nuclear power as a stable, carbon-free energy source.
If public understanding in eastern Japan grows, despite long-standing anxieties over nuclear safety, additional reactor restarts could follow in quick succession.
Such momentum would also strengthen the case for deploying next-generation, advanced reactor technologies.
A Key Objective
"I would like to express my gratitude for Governor Hanazumi's decision," Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa said at a press conference on November 21.
He welcomed Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi's announcement approving the plan.
The reactor restarts have long been a key objective, not only for TEPCO but for the nation as a whole.
Following the earthquake and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in 2011, all domestic reactors were shut down. The government pursued a policy aimed at minimizing reliance on nuclear power, and efforts to resume operations largely stalled.
Of the country's 36 reactors — including those still under construction — only 14 have been brought back online to date.
From Shutdowns to Strategic Shifts
The situation, however, is shifting. Once expected to decline with Japan's shrinking population, electricity demand is now projected to rise sharply, fueled by the rapid growth of data centers and semiconductor factories.
The government has concluded that stable, large-scale, carbon-free power is essential for economic growth. It therefore has shifted its policy to prioritize the use of nuclear power plants.
The new Strategic Energy Plan, approved by the Cabinet in February, projects that nuclear power will make up roughly 20% of Japan's energy mix by fiscal year 2040.
With the current share just under 10%, achieving this target would require nearly all 36 reactors, including those under construction, to be operational.
Until now, the only reactor to resume operations in eastern Japan was Tohoku Electric Power's Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant in Miyagi Prefecture. With the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, momentum for nuclear restarts in the region is expected to grow.
A quicker pace of restarts could stabilize the power supply and reduce electricity rates, which remain higher than those in western Japan.
Innovation and Remaining Challenges
The government is also weighing the introduction of next-generation innovative reactors with enhanced safety features.
In connection with the $550 billion USD investment commitments to the United States made during tariff negotiations, Japanese companies such as IHI have expressed interest in partnering on nuclear projects.
They are particularly focused on small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by American firms, a move that could accelerate development of advanced reactors.
Nevertheless, significant challenges remain. Efforts to implement a nuclear fuel cycle policy for reusing spent fuel, as well as discussions on a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste, are far from complete. Careful and timely action will be essential.
RELATED:
- EDITORIAL | Restarting a Few Nuclear Reactors Not Enough to Ease Energy Crunch
- Japan's Energy Security Hinged on Restart of Niigata Nuclear Power Station
- TEPCO Makes Progress Toward Fukushima Daiichi Decommissioning
Author: Tomotaka Nakamura, The Sankei Shimbun
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