News
Japan clears path for Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear restart
Japan advances Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear restart after Niigata assembly vote, despite local opposition and Fukushima-era concerns
Japan has moved closer to a major expansion of nuclear power following a key vote by the Niigata prefectural assembly that clears the way for restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster.
Also read: Japan, South Korea Endure Hottest Summers on Record Amid Climate Crisis
The assembly passed a vote of confidence in Governor Hideyo Hanazumi, who endorsed the restart last month, effectively removing the final political barrier to resuming operations at the world’s largest nuclear facility by capacity, located around 220 kilometres northwest of Tokyo.
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa was among 54 reactors nationwide shut down after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami triggered meltdowns at Fukushima Daiichi, the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl.
Since then, Japan has brought 14 of 33 operable reactors back online, seeking to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and enhance energy security.
The plant will be the first nuclear facility restarted under Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), the operator of Fukushima Daiichi.
Public broadcaster NHK reported TEPCO is considering reactivating the first of seven reactors as early as 20 January, though the company has not confirmed a timeline.
While the assembly backed Hanazumi, debate highlighted deep divisions in the local community.
Lawmakers opposing the restart criticised the decision as politically driven and disconnected from public sentiment.
Around 300 protesters gathered outside the assembly in freezing conditions, holding banners opposing nuclear power and questioning TEPCO’s safety record.
TEPCO has pledged to invest 100 billion yen ($641 million) in Niigata over the next decade, promising jobs and economic benefits.
Yet an October survey found 60% of residents believed conditions for a restart were unmet, and nearly 70% expressed concern over TEPCO as operator.
Among the protesters was Ayako Oga, a farmer and anti-nuclear activist who fled Fukushima in 2011.
“We know firsthand the risk of a nuclear accident and cannot dismiss it,” she said.
Despite the controversy, the central government considers the restart critical.
Japan’s trade ministry estimates that reactivating a single reactor at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa could raise electricity supply to the Tokyo region by roughly 2%.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who assumed office two months ago, has made nuclear restarts central to her strategy to cut fuel import costs and bolster energy security.
Imported fossil fuels currently supply 60% to 70% of Japan’s electricity, with $68 billion spent last year on liquefied natural gas and coal.
Rising demand from energy-intensive AI data centres, even amid a shrinking population, increases pressure for reliable power sources.
Japan aims to double nuclear power’s share of electricity to 20% by 2040.
Analysts say public acceptance of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa restart will be a key test for achieving that target.
Governor Hanazumi has expressed reservations about long-term dependence on nuclear energy, emphasising hopes to transition away from power sources that provoke public concern.
Also read: Climate Change Drives Rising Cancer Burden in Nigeria, Experts Warn
For many residents and Fukushima survivors, the vote has revived painful memories, underscoring the unresolved tensions at the heart of Japan’s nuclear revival.
Reps seek federal relief for Edo tanker explosion victims, urging NEMA aid, market rehabilitation and urgent repairs to the Benin-Lagos Expressway.
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide relief materials, financial assistance and rehabilitation support to victims of the deadly petrol tanker explosion at Oluku in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Also read: Wike to Dumo Lulu-Briggs: Quit Rivers Governorship Race, Back Someone Else
The lawmakers also urged the government to repair dangerous sections of the Benin-Lagos Expressway around Oluku to reduce the risk of similar disasters.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Omosede Igbinedion, a lawmaker representing a constituency in Edo State, during plenary on Wednesday, October 21.
The Edo tanker explosion occurred on Thursday, October 15, when a petrol tanker reportedly lost control and overturned near Oluku Market, spilling fuel that later ignited and spread to nearby businesses.
According to the motion, the fire caused fatalities and serious injuries while destroying shops, stalls, vehicles, goods and other property.
The damage also left traders and their families facing substantial financial losses and the loss of their livelihoods.
Presenting the motion, Igbinedion said the incident had caused widespread hardship, with some victims losing their savings and facing mounting financial difficulties.
She also raised concerns about reports of severe burns among survivors, some of whom reportedly required emergency treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and other medical facilities.
The lawmaker said the scale of the destruction required federal intervention to complement the Edo State Government’s response.
She commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for visiting the scene and affected victims, as well as pledging to rebuild the damaged market and support traders.
However, she argued that additional assistance was necessary to provide immediate relief, restore livelihoods and help affected families recover from the disaster.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency to assess the damage and provide relief materials, financial support and rehabilitation assistance to victims.
It also called on the Federal Government to work with the Edo State Government to rebuild the affected market and support the recovery of businesses disrupted by the fire.
The lawmakers further urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to inspect and urgently rehabilitate dangerous sections of the Benin-Lagos Expressway around Oluku.
In another resolution, the House directed the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other relevant agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, fuel spillage, evacuation efforts and subsequent fire.
The agencies were also asked to recommend preventive measures, particularly along major highways where fuel tankers operate close to markets, shops and residential communities.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers of attempting to collect fuel from overturned tankers. Spilled petrol can ignite rapidly, exposing people nearby to potentially fatal fires and explosions.
Also read: Wike to Dumo Lulu-Briggs: Quit Rivers Governorship Race, Back Someone Else
The House’s resolutions seek to address both the immediate needs of affected residents and the wider safety concerns raised by the disaster. Federal assistance, road repairs and a thorough investigation are expected to support recovery efforts and help reduce the likelihood of similar incidents.
EFCC arrests Abuja businessman Innocent Ezuma over alleged $120m fraud involving a Ukrainian investor and suspected financial crimes
-
Politics3 years ago
13 Ondo Assembly Members Disown Endorsement of Aiyedatiwa
-
Politics3 years ago
APC Group, Ondo Govt, Quarrel Over Money for Endorsement
-
Trending News5 years agoStop unsavoury, inciting statements – DSS warns
-
Others5 years agoAdron Homes Celebrates 10 Years Of Housing Excellence
-
Humanity5 years agoPresident Buhari Commiserates With Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Over The Loss Of Her Father
-
Others7 years agoEX- CUSTOMS BOSS, IBRAHIM MERA’S DWINDLING FAME
-
Business2 years agoBigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Treats 40 Consumers to an Epic Easter Movie Hangout
-
Business2 years agoWema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)