Japan to restart world’s biggest nuclear plant after 15-year shutdown

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffJanuary 21, 2026 at 09:40 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

After a 15-year shutdown following the Fukushima disaster, Japan is restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata province, the world's largest. Operated by TEPCO, the plant's initial restart involves one of its seven reactors, with the potential to generate 8.2 gigawatts when fully operational. The move aims to bolster Japan's energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, particularly after setbacks in offshore wind development. Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is the 15th plant to be reactivated out of 33 operable in Japan, with the government also pushing for the construction of new reactors. Despite safety upgrades, including a tsunami wall, concerns remain, highlighted by a petition citing seismic activity risks.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Abe 30% Japan Sea 40% Sanae Takaichi ×250% Niigata ×260% Fukushima disaster ×270% Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) ×370% Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant ×580% Japan ×690%

Keywords

nuclear power plant 100% reactor restart 90% kashiwazaki-kariwa 90% japan 80% energy security 70% fukushima disaster 70% tepco 60% seismic activity 60% tsunami wall 50% fossil fuels 50%