重启即翻车！日本最大核电站为何“烂而不倒”？

Core Viewpoint - The recent operational issues at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, including equipment malfunctions and public distrust, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in managing nuclear energy safely and effectively [1][3][27]. Group 1: Operational Issues - On February 12, a measurement instrument at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant's Unit 6 became stuck during insertion, leading to a delay in the planned trial power generation set for February 15 [1]. - This incident follows a series of operational failures, including a control rod extraction alarm shortly after the plant's restart on January 21, which was attributed to a sensitivity setting error [3][8]. - The repeated technical failures raise questions about TEPCO's capability to operate nuclear power plants safely [3][27]. Group 2: Public Sentiment and Trust - Local residents express significant distrust towards TEPCO, questioning the company's ability to manage complex nuclear operations safely [3][5]. - The public's anger is rooted in the historical context of the Fukushima disaster, with many believing that TEPCO should have been dissolved following the incident [5][6]. - The sentiment reflects a broader concern about the safety and reliability of nuclear energy in Japan, particularly in light of recent operational issues [6][26]. Group 3: Economic and Political Factors - The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, with a total capacity of approximately 8.212 million kilowatts, is crucial for Japan's energy supply, providing nearly half of the electricity needed for the Tokyo metropolitan area [8]. - TEPCO has invested over 800 billion yen in upgrades to meet new safety standards post-Fukushima, making the plant's closure economically unfeasible due to high dismantling costs [8][10]. - The plant is seen as essential for TEPCO's financial recovery, potentially generating an additional 100 billion yen in annual revenue, which is critical given the company's liabilities from the Fukushima disaster [10][27]. Group 4: Regulatory and Systemic Issues - The regulatory framework in Japan has been criticized for its failure to effectively verify the data submitted by TEPCO, leading to a culture of complacency and lack of accountability [19][26]. - There are concerns about the collusion between TEPCO and political entities, as the company is a significant source of political funding and support for many politicians [19][26]. - Japan's energy policy has shifted towards maximizing nuclear power usage due to the country's limited natural resources, further entrenching the reliance on problematic nuclear facilities [19][27]. Group 5: Nuclear Ambitions - Japan's nuclear energy strategy is intertwined with its geopolitical considerations, as the country maintains a significant stockpile of separated plutonium, raising concerns about potential military applications [21][22]. - The ongoing operation of nuclear power plants is viewed as a strategic asset in Japan's broader security framework, despite public opposition and safety concerns [22][27]. - The situation reflects a complex interplay of energy needs, economic pressures, and national security considerations, leading to a reluctance to permanently close problematic nuclear facilities [26][27].