Japan to bring 50 reactors back online

Published on 17/06/2012 00:00

JAPAN’S government yesterday approved bringing the country’s nuclear reactors back online for the first time since last year’s earthquake and tsunami led to a nationwide shutdown.

The decision, which goes against wider public opinion that is opposed to nuclear power after Fukushima, paves the way for a power company in western Japan to immediately begin work to restart two reactors in Ohi town, a process that is expected to take several weeks.

Despite lingering safety concerns, the restart could speed the resumption of operations at more reactors across the country.

All Japan’s 50 nuclear reactors are offline for maintenance or safety checks.