No, while Japan initially shut down all its commercial nuclear reactors after the Fukushima disaster, several have since been restarted.
Initial Shutdown After Fukushima
Following the devastating Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in March 2011, Japan made a significant decision to halt the operation of all 54 of its commercial nuclear power plants. This comprehensive shutdown was implemented as a nationwide measure for extensive safety checks and necessary upgrades across the entire fleet. The goal was to re-evaluate the resilience of the plants against natural disasters, enhance safety protocols, and restore public confidence in nuclear energy.
Restarted Reactors and Current Status
Over the years, a rigorous process has been established for reactor restarts, incorporating new, stricter safety standards and thorough inspections by regulatory bodies. Not all reactors were deemed suitable for restart, but a portion of the original fleet was identified as "still useable" after undergoing significant safety enhancements and upgrades.
As of recent developments, a number of these usable reactors have successfully cleared the stringent safety requirements and resumed operations. For instance, the Onagawa No. 2 reactor marked a significant milestone as the 13th among the 33 still useable reactors to be brought back online. This indicates a gradual return to nuclear power as a component of Japan's energy strategy, signifying that the complete shutdown is no longer the current status.
Summary of Reactor Status (Post-Fukushima)
| Reactor Status | Number (Initial/Current) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Commercial Reactors | 54 (Initial) | All reactors were initially shut down after the Fukushima disaster for safety assessments and upgrades. |
| Still Useable Reactors | 33 (Current) | Out of the original 54, this number represents the reactors deemed potentially restartable after evaluations and safety enhancements. |
| Reactors That Have Restarted | 13+ (Current) | This count indicates reactors that have successfully met new safety standards and resumed power generation, with Onagawa No. 2 being the 13th. |
| Reactors Yet to Restart | 20 (33 - 13) | These usable reactors are still awaiting or undergoing the necessary procedures for approval to restart. |
| Reactors Decommissioned/Not Usable | 21 (54 - 33) | These reactors are unlikely to return to service, often due to age, cost of upgrades, or other factors leading to their permanent shutdown. |
Rationale for Restarting
The phased return of nuclear reactors is influenced by several strategic considerations:
- Energy Security: Reducing Japan's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, which became particularly challenging and costly after the initial complete nuclear shutdown.
- Economic Impact: Mitigating the high costs associated with importing fossil fuels for electricity generation and enhancing overall economic stability.
- Climate Change Goals: Leveraging nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source to help Japan meet its national emissions reduction targets and contribute to global climate efforts.
While the initial response to the Fukushima incident was a comprehensive shutdown, Japan has since adopted a pragmatic approach that balances stringent safety protocols with its long-term energy independence and environmental objectives.
