PREVIEW

Japan Nears Restart of World's Largest Nuclear Plant in Major Post-Fukushima Shift. Japan is on the brink of restarting the world's largest nuclear power plant, marking a turning point in its energy policy more than a decade after the Fukushima disaster. On Monday, Niigata's regional assembly is expected to endorse the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, operated by TEPCO – the same company behind the failed Fukushima Daiichi plant in 2011. If approved, the first of seven reactors could be reactivated as early as January 20. The move comes as Japan pushes to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, which still account for up to 70% of electricity generation. The restart could boost power supply to the Tokyo region by 2% and support rising demand from AI data centres. But public opposition remains strong. Surveys show most Niigata residents still fear safety risks, with many Fukushima evacuees leading protests. For supporters, it's about energy security. For critics, it's a painful reminder that nuclear risks never truly disappear.
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