Japan Shuts Down Restarted Nuclear Plant Due to Malfunction

Less than six hours after its restart, Japan’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant was forced offline due to a technical malfunction. This incident represents a setback in the government’s effort to reintegrate nuclear energy into the nation’s energy strategy.

Details of the Malfunction at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Plant

The operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), reported that an alarm was triggered shortly after midnight on Thursday. This alarm occurred while technicians were adjusting the control rods of Unit 6, which regulates the reactor’s power output.

Due to the inability to immediately identify the source of the alarm, TEPCO decided to halt operations for inspections. The company emphasized that safety remains its “top priority,” and it promised to communicate the investigation results promptly.

Background on Nuclear Energy in Japan

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, located in Niigata Prefecture, was restarted at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, marking the end of a lengthy dormancy that followed the catastrophic 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster. This tragedy, caused by a tsunami and earthquake, resulted in the displacement of over 160,000 residents.

Reviving the nuclear sector is vital for Japan as it seeks to fulfill rising demands for clean and stable electricity while keeping costs low. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant is one of the largest nuclear facilities globally when operating at full capacity.

Regulatory Environment and Public Perception

• Before the 2011 disaster, Japan had one of the world’s most extensive nuclear programs.
• Since then, only 15 reactors have resumed operation, largely due to strict local approval processes.
• TEPCO faces a challenging public image, as it seeks to regain trust after the Fukushima incident.

A survey conducted in Niigata Prefecture revealed that 60 percent of residents felt the conditions for the plant’s restart had not been met. Furthermore, 70 percent expressed concerns regarding TEPCO’s management of the site.

The path to restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant was approved following a vote by Niigata’s prefectural assembly in December, which was subsequently supported by the governor of the prefecture.