TOKYO: Japan’s nuclear regulator said on Wednesday that it has given initial safety approval for Hokkaido Electric Power’s No. 3 reactor at its Tomari nuclear power station in northern Japan, effectively paving the way for its restart.

The “effective” approval for the restart was made at a meeting of the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) on Wednesday, showing that the reactor meets the new regulatory safety standards.

The move comes in line with the government’s effort to boost nuclear power generation to secure stable electricity supply while reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Hokkaido Electric aims to restart the No. 3 reactor, which has been shut since 2012, in early 2027, a company spokesperson said after the approval.

Japan shut down all its nuclear reactors after a powerful 2011 earthquake and tsunami triggered a meltdown at Tokyo Electric Power’s Fukushima nuclear plant.

Many utilities are still undergoing a re-licensing process to meet stricter safety standards implemented after the Fukushima disaster.

Reuters