Japan brings first nuclear reactor back online since Fukushima

Although Sendai unit 1 was not damaged during the catastrophe, all of Japan’s reactors were gradually brought offline following the meltdown at Fukushima, which was triggered by the tsunami. Sendai 1 is the first of 43 operable reactors that Japan may attempt to bring back into service over the coming months and years.

“Today Japan has reminded the world that it is committed to creating a better future,” said Agneta Rising, director general of the World Nuclear Association (WNA), the international body that promotes nuclear power.

“This is a hugely important step which sets the country firmly on the path to restoring its trade balance and regaining energy independence, as well as reducing emissions.”

Sendai 1 is a pressurised water reactor (PWR) located on the southwest coast of Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island. Operated by the Kyushu Electric Power Company, it has a net electrical capacity of 846MW. Prior to 2011 it produced an average of 6157GWh of electricity each year.