Japan restarts world's largest nuclear plant

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete January 21, 2026 at 11:27 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

Japan has restarted reactor No. 6 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world's largest, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster led to the shutdown of all nuclear reactors in the country. The plant, located northwest of Tokyo, is owned by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco). The restart is part of Japan's effort to expand its clean energy sources and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Since 2015, Japan has restarted 15 of its 33 operable reactors, aiming for nuclear power to provide 20% of its electricity by 2040. Prior to 2011, nuclear power accounted for nearly 30% of Japan's electricity. Public opposition to nuclear power remains a challenge following the Fukushima disaster.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tokyo 50% Sanae Takaichi 60% Fukushima disaster ×270% Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) ×375% Fukushima Daiichi ×280% Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant ×485% Japan ×1090%

Keywords

nuclear power 100% reactor restart 90% fukushima disaster 80% kashiwazaki-kariwa 80% energy policy 70% tepco 60% nuclear safety 60% clean energy 50% energy imports 50% net zero emissions 40%