TOHOKU ELECTRIC POWER CO., INC.
October 29, 2024
Startup of Onagawa Nuclear Power Station Unit 2
It is our pleasure to announce that the reactor startup* at the Onagawa Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 (BWR, 825MW) had begun today, October 29, 2024 at 19:00 (Japan Standard Time).
The plant is expected to generate electricity and be connected to the grid in early November 2024. Meanwhile, various inspections and preparation works will be conducted towards its operation.
We will put our best effort in operating each process carefully and accordingly. In parallel, we will courteously continue to engage with the local communities to build and strengthen trust.
- Reactor startup: This is when the `reactor mode switch` at the Main Control Room of the plant is activated from `Fuel Loading` to `Startup` mode.
Message from CEO, Kojiro Higuchi
"It is my pleasure to finally announce the startup of Onagawa Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 after 13 years of long-term shutdown. We have been conducting various inspections and works diligently, putting safety as our utmost priority.
On October 5, 2024, we invited the heads of local governments, including Miyagi Prefecture, Onagawa town and Ishinomaki city. During their site visit, they emphasized the importance of Safety, Human capacity development, and Local Engagement with thorough and effective communication. As a nuclear operator, we take their comments seriously, and will make sure to deal each process carefully and accordingly.
Onagawa Nuclear Power Station was the closest Nuclear Power Station to the epicenter of March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and it will be the first BWR to restart in Japan since then. I am determined that the restart of this plant will bring an epic to further enhance the reconstruction of the Tohoku region following the earthquake. Additionally, this restart will provide great significance from the perspectives of both Carbon neutrality and the stable supply of electricity.
We will continue to strengthen in building trust with the local residents and the stakeholders based on gratitude and appreciation for the Tohoku region. Thank you."
For further inquiry please contact:Contact us | Tohoku Electric Power Website(tohoku-epco.co.jp)
Aerial photography of Onagawa Nuclear Power Station