Restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Niigata, Central Japan

November 21, 2025

Keizai Doyukai
Acting Chairperson Mutsuo Iwai
Sustainable Energy Committee
Chairperson Yoshihisa Kitano
Chairperson Shin-ichiro Kengaku
Chairperson Masayuki Hyodo
Chairperson Yoshinori Hirai

1. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata prefecture has been given the green light today by Governor Hideyo Hanazumi for restarting its reactors Unit 6 and 7. The power plant is operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO). The governor's approval is contingent upon clearing the national safety standards and other guidelines. We respect the decision made after the deliberate and elaborate dialogue repeated with Niigata residents, the prefectural assembly, local chief executives, and community residents.
2. The governor also announced his intention to refer the decision to the prefectural assembly, allowing it to assess the public mandate. We anticipate fair and transparent deliberations within the assembly.
3. In December 2023, Keizai Doyukai announced a policy proposal "Katsu ・Genshiryoku－Watashitachi No Mirai No Tame Ni Genshiryoku Katsuyo No Arikata O Teikisuru" or literally "Active Use of Nuclear Power－Revisiting Its Use for Our Future." In the proposal, we emphasized the necessity of utilizing nuclear power－premised on adherence to the world's most stringent safety standards－until effective alternatives become available. This approach seeks to minimize reliance on fossil fuels as a primary energy source. We look forward to the smooth restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant as an essential energy provider for major consumer cities.
4. A survey conducted by the Niigata prefectural government highlighted residents' unresolved concerns regarding the operator of the nuclear power plant. Bearing in mind that "Rome wasn't built in a day," TEPCO must address safety measures and respond to public anxieties and questions with care. The peace of mind of the local people is the essential prerequisite for the restart.
5. The restart of nuclear power plants is one of the important themes that symbolize Japan's basic energy principle of S+3E (Safety, Energy Security, Economic Efficiency, and Environment). As an organization located in an electricity-consuming region, Keizai Doyukai is committed to pursuing responsible activities. These include exploring initiatives that support electricityproducing areas, such as through thorough deliberations with diverse stakeholders and collaboration with relevant local bodies.

PDF

>Japanese version