Key Facts
• November 2025: Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazono approves restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Unit 6.
• First Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) reactor to operate since 2011 Fukushima disaster.
• Government aims to increase nuclear power share to 20% by 2040, up from under 10%.
• February 2025: Energy Basic Plan revised to prioritize maximum use of existing reactors.
• 14 of 36 reactors have restarted since the 2011 disaster; only one in eastern Japan.
• AI-driven data center expansion is driving electricity demand growth.
• Government expanded financial support for municipalities within 30 km of nuclear plants.
• TEPCO pledged $1 billion for new business creation and job promotion in Niigata.
• Government to fully fund evacuation route improvements near Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant.
• October 2024: Onagawa Unit 2 became the first reactor in eastern Japan to restart post-2011.
Summary
Niigata Prefecture has approved the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant’s Unit 6, marking the first operation of a Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) reactor since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. This decision comes amid growing electricity demand driven by AI-related data center expansion. The Japanese government revised its Energy Basic Plan in February 2025 to emphasize the maximum use of existing reactors, aiming to increase nuclear power’s share to 20% by 2040. To secure local support, the government expanded financial aid to municipalities within 30 km of nuclear plants and committed to fully funding evacuation route improvements. TEPCO also pledged $1 billion for regional development. Since the 2011 disaster, only 14 of 36 reactors have restarted, with Onagawa Unit 2 being the first in eastern Japan to resume operations in October 2024.
