Japan Restarts the World's Largest Nuclear Power Plant Amid Controversy

On February 9, 2026, Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) successfully restarted the No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world's largest nuclear facility by potential capacity. This marked the first operational attempt since the plant was shut down following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The restart was initially attempted on January 21 but was halted due to a minor alarm issue related to electrical current changes, which were deemed safe but prompted further investigation. TEPCO adjusted the alarm settings and confirmed the reactor's safety before proceeding with the restart. Commercial operations are expected to commence on or after March 18, following additional inspections.

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The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant has been offline since Japan's nuclear phase-out after the catastrophic Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, which resulted from a massive earthquake and tsunami. The Japanese government is now re-embracing nuclear energy as part of its strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and meet increasing energy demands, particularly from artificial intelligence technologies. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who recently won a significant electoral victory, has been a vocal proponent of nuclear energy to bolster Japan's economic growth.

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Despite the government's push for nuclear energy, public sentiment remains divided. A survey conducted in September by Niigata Prefecture revealed that approximately 60% of local residents oppose the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, while only 37% support it. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential risks of serious accidents, citing past cover-up scandals and inadequate evacuation plans. In early January, seven local groups submitted a petition with nearly 40,000 signatures to TEPCO and Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority, expressing their opposition to the plant's operations.

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TEPCO has stated its commitment to safety, asserting, "We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to safety as our priority at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station through our actions and results." The company has emphasized that the reactor is safe to operate and has implemented various safety upgrades, including a 15-meter tsunami wall and elevated emergency power systems.

France 24

While TEPCO has reported that the alarm issue was a minor glitch, critics argue that the plant's location on an active seismic fault raises significant safety concerns. The public's apprehension is compounded by TEPCO's troubled history following the Fukushima disaster, which has led to ongoing scrutiny regarding the company's management practices and safety protocols.

The Straits Times

As Japan continues to navigate its energy policy, the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant will likely remain a focal point of debate. The outcome of the commercial operations scheduled for March 18 will be closely monitored by both supporters and opponents of nuclear energy in Japan.

Japan restarts world's largest nuclear power plant after minor malfunction