Onagawa Reactor Shuts Down After Restart

The Onagawa nuclear power plant's No. 2 reactor in Japan resumed operations on October 29 after a 13-year hiatus but was shut down again due to an equipment issue related to a neutron data device. Tohoku Electric Power Co., the plant's operator, reported no radiation leaks and stated the shutdown was a precautionary measure. The Onagawa plant, which survived the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, remains critical to Japan's strategy for carbon neutrality by 2050, despite public concerns over nuclear safety following recent earthquakes. The reactor's restart is a significant step in Japan's energy strategy, yet challenges persist, including improving evacuation routes affected by past disasters. The Japanese government emphasizes the role of nuclear energy alongside renewables for energy security and economic growth.