The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series World's Largest Nuclear Plant Coming Back Online in Japan || Peter Zeihan
Dec 31, 2025
Japan is reigniting the world’s largest nuclear power plant after a lengthy shutdown. The conversation dives into the lessons learned from the Fukushima disaster and the coastal vulnerabilities posed by earthquakes and tsunamis. Discussed are Japan's rigorous safety reviews and how its unique geography has shaped independent, localized energy systems. The return of nuclear energy promises increased resilience and flexibility in Japan’s energy landscape, positioning the country advantageously in a disconnected global market.
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Fukushima Shutdown And Long Reactor Pause
- Japan shut down every nuclear reactor after the Sendai earthquake and tsunami caused a partial meltdown at a coastal plant.
- Peter Zeihan notes this led to years of safety tests and many reactors remained offline for about 15 years.
Cities As Isolated Energy Islands
- Japan's coastal cities are isolated by steep, rugged mountains that make interconnection difficult.
- Zeihan argues each major city functions like its own energy 'country', requiring local excess capacity and backup sources.
Oversized Systems For Energy Resilience
- Because prefectures can't reliably share power, Japan must build oversized local systems with redundant generation.
- These include coal, gas, nuclear, renewables, and even oil burners as contingency sources.