Japanese reactor shuts down again after brief restart post-Fukushima

Japan's No. 2 reactor at the Onagawa nuclear power plant was returned to operation on October 29, 2024, marking a significant milestone as it came back online after more than 13 years of inactivity following the Fukushima disaster in 2011. At that time, all nuclear reactors across the country were taken offline for safety checks and upgrades. The Onagawa facility is located just 100 kilometers north of Fukushima and managed to maintain safe conditions during the tsunami caused by the earthquake in 2011. Despite the hopeful restart, the reactor encountered operational issues just five days later on November 3, 2024. An equipment problem was reported concerning a device that relates to neutron data, prompting an immediate decision for a shutdown to prevent any potential risks. Notably, the utility firm, Tohoku Electric Power Co., confirmed that while the reactor was functioning normally before this issue, there was no release of hazardous radiation into the environment. Residents’ safety concerns continue to shape the operational framework of nuclear energy in Japan. The utility company emphasized it would undertake an in-depth examination of the faulty equipment to address these worries. As of now, no timetable for the reactor's future restart has been disclosed. The Onagawa plant stands as one of three reactors under its management, with this recent incident highlighting the challenges and complexities that still exist in Japan's pursuit of nuclear energy as a viable energy source. The government remains committed to maximizing nuclear energy's role in the national energy strategy amid lingering public apprehension.