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Japan is edging closer to approving the reactivation of the world's largest atomic energy station—the first time it would be running since the catastrophic 2011 Fukushima event.

The governor of Niigata, head of the Niigata prefecture where the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa atomic station is based, said he has given the green light for the phased recommencement.

The initiative to restart activities at the facility, operated by utility company Tepco, requires authorization from the local government assembly and the nation's atomic regulatory agency before it can proceed.

If approved, it would be the first time Tepco would be allowed to restart nuclear reactor operations in Japan since its Fukushima plant suffered a core meltdown in the wake of a tidal surge.

Local Residents Divided on Resumption

People living in Niigata are split over whether the facility should resume operations or not.

Hanazumi told a media event on Friday that his decision would be considered in the final month of the year at a local government meeting, where he would pursue the assembly's approval.

The approval would be for the resumption of activities at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant's No 6 reactor, then the No 7.

Context and Business Reconstruction Plan

The restart of activities at the plant is part of Tepco's company revitalization initiative after the Fukushima catastrophe, which was resulted from a powerful seismic event and massive tsunami.

When the station's units were inundated by the tidal wave, it caused the release of radiation and forced 150,000 people to be relocated from the zone.

The Japanese government directed all its nuclear station cores to be deactivated in 2011 in the wake of the disaster. From that point, fourteen units have resumed operations.

Tepco was ordered to pay massive sums in compensation to those impacted and is also funding the facility's shutdown expenses.

Local Sentiment and Concerns

A survey published by the region last month showed that 50% of its locals supported the facility's resumption, while nearly half were opposed. It also suggested that almost 70% of residents in the prefecture were anxious about Tepco running the facility.

Power Targets and Ahead

The recent ruling demonstrates a interest among certain groups in the country to move towards greater utilization of atomic energy to reduce use of carbon-based fuels, as the country aims for a objective of carbon neutrality.