Another Nuclear Plant Wins Safety Approval, Eyes 2027 Restart

Apr 30, 2025 | News On Japan

HOKKAIDO, Apr 30, 2025 (News On Japan) - The Nuclear Regulation Authority approved a draft review on April 30th confirming that safety measures at Hokkaido Electric Power’s Tomari Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 comply with the country’s updated safety standards. This effectively clears the unit for restart, making it the 18th reactor at 11 nuclear plants nationwide to pass the review under the new regulatory framework.

The screening process took more than 11 years, following the utility’s application in July 2013. Hokkaido Electric plans to complete seawall construction and other safety upgrades by around March 2027, aiming to resume operations thereafter.

Japan’s nuclear power sector is gradually edging back into the national energy mix more than a decade after the Fukushima Daiichi disaster prompted a widespread shutdown of reactors across the country. Once a cornerstone of Japan’s energy strategy, nuclear power was sidelined amid safety concerns and strong public opposition. However, with energy security and carbon reduction goals rising in importance, the government and utilities are pushing for a cautious but steady return.

Since the introduction of stricter safety standards in 2013, reactors have faced rigorous screening by the Nuclear Regulation Authority. The process has often taken years, with utilities required to upgrade tsunami defenses, reinforce containment systems, and improve emergency protocols. As of now, 18 reactors at 11 plants have cleared these reviews, though not all have restarted operations.

Utilities such as Kansai Electric and Kyushu Electric have already resumed operations at some of their approved reactors. Others, including Hokkaido Electric, are still working through construction and legal hurdles. Public sentiment remains divided, particularly in regions directly affected by past nuclear incidents, but energy cost pressures and geopolitical tensions have renewed calls for domestic nuclear capacity.

The government sees nuclear as essential to meeting its 2050 carbon neutrality target. Despite renewable energy growth, nuclear power remains a reliable base load source. Yet, the path to full-scale revival is complex, entangled in regulatory timelines, local opposition, and the need to rebuild public trust—something that may take longer than engineering upgrades alone.

Source: Kyodo

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