Future of TEPCO Nuclear Plant in Niigata Hinges on Governor’s Decision, Understanding of Residents

By Hiroyuki Kume / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

17:21 JST, October 17, 2025

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. is seeking understanding from residents and local authorities for the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture.

To secure consent for restarting the plant’s No. 6 reactor, TEPCO has proposed decommissioning some of the other reactors and offering about ¥100 billion in funding to the prefecture.

TEPCO’s actions are driven by its severe financial situation, largely due to decommissioning costs stemming from the accident at its Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant. Restarting reactors is essential for TEPCO’s financial recovery, so focus is on the decision reached by Niigata Prefecture’s governor.

TEPCO President Tomoaki Kobayakawa attended the Niigata prefectural assembly on Thursday, where he appealed for support in restarting the No. 6 reactor.

“Restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant is essential to supporting a significant increase in electricity demand. We intend to pursue an appropriate power source mix over the medium to long term,” he said.

Following the 2011 nuclear accident, TEPCO was effectively nationalized. All its nuclear power plants, including the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, are currently offline.

TEPCO’s financial situation is dire. In its consolidated financial results for the April-June 2025 quarter, the company posted a net loss of ¥857.6 billion, primarily due to mounting costs associated with decommissioning the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant. The deficit represents the company’s largest-ever in the April-June quarter.

TEPCO expects annual profit to improve by ¥100 billion through restarting one nuclear reactor. In its reconstruction plan and comprehensive special business plan currently under development, the company intends to restart the No. 6 reactor in spring 2026 and No. 7 within fiscal 2029.

TEPCO has indicated it will consider decommissioning the No. 1 reactor, which was commissioned 40 years ago, and the No. 2 reactor, which was commissioned 35 years ago. Although the total decommissioning cost is expected to exceed ¥150 billion, it appears that the company is prioritizing gaining consent to restart the No. 6 reactor.

Electricity demand is expected to increase going forward due to factors such as the increase of data centers, which consume vast amounts of power. The business sector has high expectations for nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source that provides a stable electricity supply.

The government’s Basic Energy Plan, approved by the Cabinet in February, aims for the share of nuclear power to increase to 20% by fiscal 2040, from just under 10% in fiscal 2023.

Yoshifumi Murase, commissioner of the Natural Resources and Energy Agency, stressed at the prefectural assembly on Thursday, “Maximizing the use of nuclear power is vital for Japan, with safety assurance being an absolute prerequisite.”

Opinions divided

Distrust toward TEPCO over its involvement in a plant that suffered a nuclear accident remains deep-rooted in the area around Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant.

At the plant, there have been a series of nuclear security issues since 2020, including the failure of multiple anti-terrorism systems designed to detect intruders and the unauthorized use of ID cards by plant personnel.

Kobayakawa addressed the prefectural assembly, stating, “Based on reflection on the Fukushima accident and the principle that unforeseen accidents can occur, we are implementing safety countermeasures.”

He then explained the efforts being made by TEPCO, such as earthquake and tsunami countermeasures and measures to prevent the dispersion of radioactive materials.

However, the offer of ¥100 billion in funding sparked backlash from legislators. Remarks included: “This is like slapping the local residents’ cheeks with cash,” and, “We merely want to live normally in a Niigata with rich nature.”

The interim report of the prefecture’s public opinion survey, which Niigata Gov. Hideyo Hanazumi will use as a basis for his decision on the restart of the reactor, shows an even split in opinion.

Hanazumi refrained from commenting on the explanations provided by TEPCO and the government after the assembly meeting, instead saying, “I want to see how the prefecture’s residents have taken this.”

He will decide on the matter as early as next month, based on the results of the survey and other factors.