Summary
Japan plans to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, the world's largest, 15 years after shutting down reactors due to the Fukushima disaster. The plant will restart with just one of its seven reactors initially, while Japan aims to strengthen energy security with more nuclear power. Safety concerns remain due to past earthquakes and potential risks.
Key Facts
- Japan is restarting the world's largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, after 15 years.
- The Fukushima disaster in 2011 led to the shutdown of all 54 nuclear reactors in Japan.
- Only one of the plant's seven reactors will initially restart, generating enough electricity for millions of homes.
- The plant has new safety features, including a 15-meter-high tsunami wall, to prevent future disasters.
- Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is the 15th nuclear plant to restart in Japan, out of 33 that are operable.
- Japan aims to boost energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels through nuclear power.
- Concerns remain about the plant's location near an active seismic fault zone.
- Nearly 40,000 people signed a petition against restarting the plant, citing earthquake risks.
