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The proposed development would take place at the Mihama site in Fukui Prefecture.
The Japanese government revised its nuclear policy in February 2025
Japan is preparing to restart a long-paused nuclear reactor project, more than a decade after halting all new development following the devastating 2011 tsunami. Kansai Electric Power, one of the country’s major utility companies, confirmed the plans in a recent announcement on July 22, stating that the government will soon begin assessing the feasibility of constructing a new reactor, Reuters reported.
The proposed development would take place at the Mihama site in Fukui Prefecture, a region already home to several nuclear facilities. This initiative marks the first major step toward building a new nuclear reactor since the infamous meltdown at Tokyo Electric Power’s Fukushima plant, which led to Japan’s worst nuclear crisis in history.
The revival of the project comes just months after the Japanese government revised its nuclear policy in February 2025. Under the updated framework, Japan aims to generate 20% of its electricity from nuclear energy by 2040. This ambitious goal not only supports the restart of existing reactors but also the construction of new-generation plants, like the one proposed at Mihama.
Before the Fukushima disaster, Japan operated 54 nuclear reactors. However, safety concerns led to widespread shutdowns. As of now, only a little over a dozen reactors are operational, collectively generating about 12 gigawatts of electricity.
As part of the feasibility survey, the government will evaluate the topography, geology, and other site-specific factors necessary for the safe development of a nuclear reactor.
According to a report by the Financial Times, Kansai Electric believes the resurgence of nuclear power is essential for Japan’s energy security, economic growth, and carbon emissions reduction. “In a resource-poor country like Japan, we need to think about how to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies, especially with the growth of new industries,” said Nozomu Mori, President of Kansai Electric.
Japan remains heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports for its energy needs. By investing in nuclear energy, the country hopes to create a more stable and self-sufficient energy future for its citizens.
“With a significant loss of nuclear power supply expected, it is necessary to rebuild with next-generation reactors, based on the premise of ensuring safety and gaining local understanding, to secure decarbonised power sources,” Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto stated on Tuesday.
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