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"The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant Restart Plan and Local Conflict" - Kariwa Village, Niigata Prefecture, 2001 to the 2020s Plans to expand the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, spanning Kariwa Village and Kashiwazaki City in Niigata Prefecture, to include 10 to 13 additional reactors were discussed in 2001. This plan was advanced with the goal of reducing annual CO2 emissions by several million tons, but conflicts with local residents deepened due to concerns about earthquake risks and radioactive waste management. While the village's finances at the time benefited from approximately 7 billion yen annually in subsidies from the plant, debates over safety never subsided. Following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, all reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant were shut down. Of the seven reactors, Units 6 and 7 met the new regulatory standards but did not resume operation. In 2017, piping issues were discovered, and in 2019, deficiencies in radioactiv
e material management were also revealed. During this period, Niigata Prefecture's Technical Committee scrutinized evacuation plans and earthquake response capabilities. The effectiveness of evacuation plans during the winter snow season was particularly highlighted as a challenge.

In December 2023, the ban on nuclear fuel transfers was lifted, advancing procedures toward restarting operations. According to the Technical Committee's report, restarting one reactor is projected to save over 100 billion yen annually in fuel costs. However, deep-seated concerns among local residents and civic groups persist, with evacuation plans and ensuring reliability remaining the greatest challenges.

This story surrounding the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, spanning over 20 years, stands as a symbol of conflict staked on economic benefits, safety, and the future of local residents.