Japan has reactivated the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the largest in the world, on Monday, October 9, after a prior attempt was suspended over a minor fault detected more than two weeks ago. The Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) reported that operations resumed at 2 PM local time. The reactivation prompted protests from local activists, who demonstrated against the plant's restart by displaying banners in front of Tepco's headquarters. This marks a significant moment for Japan after the plant remained inactive for over a decade since the Fukushima disaster in 2011.

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant had been shut down following a nationwide deactivation of nuclear facilities in response to the catastrophic events at Fukushima, where a combination of earthquake and tsunami damaged several reactors. Since then, Japan has faced challenges in meeting its energy needs without relying on nuclear power. This latest development is part of Japan's strategy to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, aim for carbon neutrality, and address rising energy demands influenced by the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a conservative leader, has been advocating for the return to nuclear energy as part of the broader energy policy in Japan. The shift towards reactivating nuclear power plants reflects a balancing act between ensuring energy security and addressing public concerns regarding safety and environmental implications. As the global energy landscape evolves, this development could have broader implications on Japan's energy policy and its position in international energy discussions.