The country is nearing giving the go-ahead for the resumption of the world's largest atomic energy station—marking the initial occasion it would be running since the catastrophic 2011 Fukushima event.
The governor of Niigata, governor of the Niigata region where the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear facility is based, stated he has authorized for the limited resumption.
The plan to restart activities at the station, run by the Tepco utility firm, requires authorization from the prefecture's government assembly and Japan's nuclear regulator before it can move forward.
Should it be authorized, it would be the first time Tepco would be authorized to recommence atomic reactor activities in Japan since its Fukushima facility suffered a core meltdown following a tidal surge.
Local Inhabitants Divided on Resumption
People living in Niigata are divided over whether the facility should resume operations or not.
Hanazumi informed a news conference on Friday that his decision would be debated in December at a regional assembly, where he would request the body's consent.
The authorization would be for the restart of operations at the facility's Reactor 6, then the Reactor 7.
Background and Corporate Reconstruction Strategy
The recommencement of functioning at the plant is part of the utility's company revitalization initiative in the aftermath of the Fukushima catastrophe, which was triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and enormous surge.
When the facility's atomic cores were inundated by the tsunami, it caused radiation to leak out and compelled a large population to be evacuated from the zone.
The Japanese government mandated all its atomic energy facility units to be deactivated in 2011 after the incident. Afterward, 14 reactors have resumed operations.
Tepco was instructed to pay huge amounts in damages to those impacted and is also paying for the facility's shutdown expenses.
Public Sentiment and Concerns
A study published by the local government last month showed that half of its inhabitants supported the facility's resumption, while nearly half were against it. It also suggested that almost 70% of people in the prefecture were concerned about the company operating the station.
Power Targets and Ahead
The recent ruling demonstrates a desire among some in Japan to progress to increased use of atomic energy to cut reliance on traditional energy sources, as the country aims for a objective of net zero carbon emissions.
