TEPCO to Restart Nuclear Reactor in March, First Since 2011 Fukushima Disaster

The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) will restart a reactor at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power plant in March. This marks the company's first nuclear power operation since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Japan's nuclear regulators approved the restart on Wednesday. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant is the world's largest nuclear power station. However, it has been idle for over a decade following the nationwide shutdown of nuclear reactors after the Fukushima accident. The restart is a major step for TEPCO. The company has faced enormous financial costs from the Fukushima disaster cleanup. Returning the giant power plant to operation is critical for its economic recovery. Local authorities in Niigata Prefecture, where the plant is located, have also agreed to the plan. Their consent was the final necessary step before TEPCO could begin loading fuel into the reactor.