Japanese reactor restarts after 2011 earthquake damage

On October 29, 2024, Japan's Onagawa No. 2 nuclear reactor was restarted after undergoing significant safety upgrades following the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami that damaged the nearby Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The Onagawa plant, situated 100 kilometers north of Fukushima, was notably resilient during the 2011 disaster, successfully maintaining cooling systems and achieving safe reactor shutdowns despite being hit by a tsunami. With this restart, Onagawa No. 2 becomes the first reactor of its kind to become operational again after the Fukushima crisis. The decision to resume operations highlights Japan's push to revitalize its nuclear energy sector, which had been dormant since all 54 commercial reactors in the country were shuttered for safety evaluations in the aftermath of Fukushima. The Japanese government is committed to using nuclear power as a vital source of energy while transitioning to carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, authorities have planned to expedite the restart of closed reactors and extend the lifespan of aging facilities. Tohoku Electric Power Co. initiated substantial upgrades for Onagawa No. 2, including improving resilience against tsunamis and earthquakes. The completion of these enhancements and safety approvals paved the way for this significant development. As Japan copes with recent natural disasters and seeks improved energy stability, the restart of nuclear reactors has become a controversial yet crucial element of its energy policy. As the nation balances safety concerns with economic growth, the resurgence of nuclear energy is accompanied by public apprehension, especially after recent earthquakes highlighted potential vulnerabilities in emergency preparedness. The trajectory of nuclear energy in Japan remains under scrutiny as the government seeks to reassure the populace while addressing environmental targets and energy demands.