Japan has restarted operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world's largest nuclear facility, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster. This significant move represents Japan's effort to return to nuclear energy amidst evolving energy demands.
• The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, located in Niigata Prefecture, has a capacity of 8.2 gigawatts, enough to power millions of homes.
• Although the plant wasn't damaged in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, all its reactors had been offline due to safety concerns and public opposition.
• A recent vote showed deep divisions in the local community regarding the plant's restart, with many protests and strong public sentiment against nuclear energy.
• The advanced boiling water reactor began operations after extensive checks and inspections were conducted, with safety being a top priority for the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).
• Japan's energy needs are projected to grow, especially with the rise of AI data centers, prompting the government to aim for nuclear power to constitute 20% of its energy mix by 2040.
• TEPCO plans to incrementally increase the pressure inside the reactor and resume full power generation soon.
Japan's decision to restart its nuclear power plant reflects a strategic shift towards addressing energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports while balancing public safety concerns.
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