Japan Approves Tomari No. 3 Reactor Restart for 2027

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority has granted initial safety approval for Hokkaido Electric Power Co.'s Tomari No. 3 reactor, the first such approval since 2021, marking a significant step in the country's gradual return to nuclear power after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The decision follows an 11-year review process, during which Hokkaido Electric upgraded the reactor’s seismic and tsunami defenses and committed to further safety improvements, including raising the seawall to 19 meters and preparing for volcanic ash. The restart, planned for around 2027 after completing mandatory safety upgrades, aligns with Japan's new energy strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and ensure stable electricity supply amid rising energy demands. Despite regulatory progress, fewer than half of Japan’s 33 operable reactors have resumed operations due to stringent safety checks, upgrades, legal challenges, and persistent public opposition. The Tomari plant's approval brings the total number of reactors passing post-Fukushima safety reviews to 18 at 11 plants, though not all have restarted due to ongoing construction or legal hurdles. The government continues to push for nuclear energy as a key solution for energy security and carbon reduction, but public sentiment remains divided, particularly in regions directly affected by past nuclear incidents.