Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Unit 6 Poised for Restart
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. (TEPCO) has announced plans to restart Unit 6 of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant on Monday, February 9, 2026. This development comes after the reactor, which had been offline for nearly 14 years, experienced a temporary suspension last month due to an alarm issue shortly after its initial reactivation. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, located in Niigata Prefecture, holds the distinction of being the world's largest nuclear generating station by net electrical power rating.
Resolution of Alarm Incident
The previous attempt to bring Unit 6 online on January 21, 2026, was halted on January 22 when an alarm was triggered in the control rod operation monitoring system. Investigations by TEPCO revealed that the alarm was not indicative of an equipment malfunction but rather a 'setup error' or 'error with the alarm's settings'. Specifically, the system detected a delay in the rise of electric current in one of three electrical wires connected to an inverter, even though this delay was within normal operating parameters. Takeyuki Inagaki, head of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, confirmed that the glitch did not compromise the plant's safe operation, and the inverter's detection function, deemed unnecessary for safety, has since had its settings adjusted.
Phased Return to Commercial Operation
Following the restart of the reactor on February 9, TEPCO intends to gradually increase pressure inside the reactor. Power generation and transmission are projected to commence on February 16. The full commercial operation of Unit 6 is now scheduled for March 18, 2026, a three-week postponement from the original target date of February 26. This phased approach includes temporary halts for further inspections and final confirmation from the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA).
Broader Context and Public Sentiment
The restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Unit 6 marks a significant step as it will be the first reactor operated by TEPCO to resume operations since the devastating 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident. This move aligns with Japan's broader energy strategy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and address growing energy demands. However, the decision remains a subject of public debate, particularly in Niigata Prefecture, where a September survey indicated that approximately 60 percent of residents oppose the restart, while 37 percent are in support. Concerns have also been raised by civic groups regarding the plant's proximity to an active seismic fault.
5 Comments
Africa
An active seismic fault near a nuclear plant? Absolutely reckless.
Loubianka
Diversifying Japan's energy mix away from fossil fuels is a commendable goal, and nuclear power offers a powerful solution. Yet, the deep-seated fears stemming from past events and the strong local sentiment against the restart cannot be ignored and demand a more robust public engagement strategy.
Katchuka
Good to see TEPCO resolving issues and moving forward. Trust the experts.
Mariposa
Excellent news for carbon neutrality goals. We need more reliable, clean power.
Habibi
The economic benefits and energy security provided by restarting such a large plant are undeniable for Japan. However, the 60% opposition in Niigata suggests that the social contract for nuclear energy is severely strained, and TEPCO must do more to earn community trust.