Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Japan is gearing up to restart its largest nuclear facility, situated in Niigata, approximately 220 kilometers from Tokyo. This decision follows nearly 15 years since the catastrophic Fukushima incident.
Known as Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, the plant was decommissioned in 2011 due to severe damage from an earthquake and tsunami impacting the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility—one of the most significant nuclear disasters in history.
Post-Fukushima, all 54 nuclear reactors across Japan were halted. Gradually, Japan has resumed operations of some reactors, with 14 out of 33 still operational today.
With plans for the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant to reopen soon, it houses seven reactors. If given the green light, the first reactor could commence operations on January 20.
The plant is managed by the same operator responsible for Fukushima, which has assured the public that measures are now significantly improved, prioritizing safety for local residents.
To build community trust, the company has committed to invest 100 billion yen in the Niigata region over the next decade.
However, many locals remain anxious and apprehensive.
A recent government survey found that 60% of the population does not believe the plant is prepared for a restart, with roughly 70% expressing distrust in the company’s ability to operate safely.
Among the protesters is Ayako Oga, a 52-year-old farmer who relocated to Niigata after leaving her home near Fukushima in 2011. Her previous residence was deemed unsafe, forcing her to evacuate.
She expresses that the forthcoming restart revives traumatic memories and ongoing apprehensions stemming from the Fukushima disaster.
Even Niigata's governor, while supportive of the restart, has voiced concerns for a future where energy solutions do not invoke fear.
Local legislators are set to vote on the governor’s proposal this Monday, with substantial implications for the plant's future.
Should operations resume, it could enhance electricity supply to the Tokyo region by 2%. Japan, heavily reliant on imports of oil, gas, and coal, has asserted the necessity for increased energy generation.
In the last year, Japan incurred significant expenses sourcing fuel internationally. The nation anticipates rising electricity demand due to technological advances and burgeoning data centers.
Japan is aiming to ramp up nuclear power usage, targeting a reduction in emissions and fuel expenditures. The objective is for nuclear energy to comprise 20% of the nation's total electricity by 2040.
Nevertheless, public apprehension endures.
For individuals like Oga, each new development regarding the nuclear plant’s restart resonates as a repetition of past traumas. She is determined to protest outside the assembly building as the vote unfolds.
English
