An alarm triggered during the restart of Japan's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant has raised questions about the facility's safety protocols, just one day after its highly anticipated reactivation. The plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), halted operations at Unit 6 on Thursday following the alarm during control rod adjustments. This marks the first attempt to restart the facility since it was shuttered in 2011 after the Fukushima disaster.
Authorities confirmed the alarm did not result in radiation leaks or immediate danger to personnel. However, the incident has reignited debates about Japan's nuclear energy strategy as the country seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The plant, capable of powering 16 million households, is central to Japan's goal of deriving 20% of its electricity from nuclear sources by 2030.
TEPCO stated that investigations into the cause are ongoing, with preliminary findings expected this week. The restart attempt comes amid heightened scrutiny of nuclear safety standards across Asia, where 32 new reactors are currently under construction.
