Japan is taking steps to restart the world’s largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa. The plant had been out of service for more than 15 years after the Fukushima disaster.
The plant’s seven reactors have a combined capacity of 8.2 gigawatts, but none have been operating since 2012.
The operator is preparing to restart reactor number 6 to help cut emissions and bolster the country’s energy security. It would be the first restart by operator Tepco since the Fukushima crisis.
Residents and leaders have expressed concerns about the plan. Many residents within a 30-kilometer evacuation zone fear that evacuation routes and winter conditions could make emergency response efforts ineffective.
Tepco has tried to alleviate concerns by upgrading its safety system and making community investments.
