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Japan approves first nuclear reactor restart in four years
- 13 days ago (2025-04-30)
- David Flin
Japan’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) has approved the first nuclear restart in the country since 2021, helping the government’s effort to increase power generation from the energy source and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Africa Energy Week 2025
The NRA approved a preliminary report saying Hokkaido Electric Power ’s Tomari No 3 reactor meets post-Fukushima safety rules. Hokkaido Electric’s president said that he expected the unit to restart in 2027.
The Tomari reactor has been shut since 2012.
After a public comment period, the regulator’s report will be subject to formal approval.
Restarts of units shuttered following the 2011 Fukushima disaster have been slow. To date, fewer than half of Japan’s 33 operable reactors have resumed. This is due to lengthy regulatory checks and upgrades, as well as local opposition.