World's biggest nuclear plant in Japan edges closer to restart

Japan's local authorities have approved the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, the largest in the world, for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Niigata governor Hideyo Hanazumi supports the move, pending final approval from Japan's nuclear regulator.

The country aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 amid increasing energy demands. The plant has undergone safety upgrades, including tsunami defenses. Japan plans for nuclear energy to supply 20% of its power by 2040, up from 5.6% in 2022.