TOKYO — On Tuesday, a nuclear reactor in Japan that withstood the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which severely impacted the Fukushima nuclear power plant, was restarted after undergoing safety enhancements. This development comes as the government seeks to rejuvenate its nuclear energy sector to assure a reliable power supply and lower carbon output.
The No. 2 reactor at the Onagawa nuclear facility, positioned on the northern coastline, is set to recommence power generation in early November, as stated by its operator, Tohoku Electric Power Co.
This reactor forms a part of a trio at the Onagawa facility, located around 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of the Fukushima Daiichi site, where three reactors experienced meltdowns following a powerful 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami in March 2011, leading to significant radiation releases.
Despite experiencing a tsunami of up to 13 meters (42 feet), the Onagawa facility successfully maintained the function of its essential cooling systems across all three reactors, facilitating their safe shutdowns.
Post-Fukushima, all 54 of Japan’s commercial nuclear power reactors were taken offline for thorough safety checks and updates. The Onagawa No. 2 is now the 13th reactor among the 33 available to resume operations and also marks the first reboot in Japan of a reactor type similar to those affected at Fukushima.
Kojiro Higuchi, President of Tohoku Electric, emphasized that the restart of the reactor signifies a positive step in the area’s recovery from the 2011 disaster.
Last year, Japan’s government unveiled a strategy aimed at optimizing nuclear energy utilization, which includes expediting the restart of previously closed reactors, extending the lifespan of aging facilities, and fostering the development of next-gen reactors. This initiative is crucial as the nation works towards ensuring a stable energy supply while adhering to its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi remarked that “Nuclear energy, along with renewables, is an essential part of our decarbonization efforts.” He assured that the government would maximize the use of nuclear power while prioritizing safety.
Hayashi also highlighted that reviving nuclear reactor operations is essential for Japan’s economic growth.
Nevertheless, concerns over the government’s renewed emphasis on nuclear energy heightened following a 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024, resulting in over 400 fatalities and severe damage to more than 100,000 buildings. Minor damage was noted at two nuclear facilities, revealing inadequacies in the region’s evacuation strategies.
For the Onagawa No. 2 reactor, Tohoku Electric initiated safety upgrades in 2013, addressing tsunami risk assessments and earthquake resilience. An anti-tsunami barrier reaching up to 29 meters (95 feet) above sea level was constructed, with safety approval from regulatory bodies secured in 2020.
Currently, 21 of Japan’s nuclear reactors, including six at Fukushima Daiichi and one at Onagawa, are being dismantled as their operators have opted to decommission them rather than invest in additional safety equipment mandated by stricter safety regulations established after the Fukushima incident.