Key Facts
• October 31, 2025: Tomari Village Council held an extraordinary session.
• Approved early restart of Hokkaido Electric Power’s Tomari Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3.
• Unit 3 passed the Nuclear Regulation Authority’s safety review.
• Village Mayor Tetsunori Takahashi emphasized respecting the council’s decision.
• Council cited economic revitalization as a key reason for approval.
• Hokkaido Electric Power aims for an early restart by 2027.
• Agreement from four surrounding municipalities and the governor remains pending.
• October 24, 2025: Special committee in Tomari adopted a petition supporting the restart.
• October 28, 2025: Nearby Kyowa Town and Shakotan Village committees adopted similar petitions.
• Iwanai Town continues its review process.
Summary
The Tomari Village Council in Hokkaido approved the early restart of the Tomari Nuclear Power Plant’s Unit 3 on October 31, 2025, following its clearance by the Nuclear Regulation Authority. The decision, driven by expectations of economic revitalization, aligns with petitions adopted by nearby municipalities. Hokkaido Electric Power targets a 2027 restart, contingent on agreements with surrounding towns and the governor. While some municipalities have shown support, others, like Iwanai Town, are still deliberating.
