Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Saturday approved to restart two nuclear reactors - the first time since last year's Fukushima crisis - as the country faces a summer of acute power shortages.
Officials said the reactors at the Ohi plant in central Fukui prefecture will be switched on in three weeks.
Kansai Electric Power, which owns the power plant, as well as the Government have been asking residents to cut electricity usage in order to avoid possible blackouts ahead of a hot summer. The Prime Minister has repeatedly said that restarting some nuclear reactors are crucial for the nation's economy.
The meltdown at the Fukushima power plant triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami in March last year had resulted in shutting down Japan's 50 reactors for routine maintenance.
Noda made the latest decision after getting approval from the governor of Fukui prefecture, Kazumasa Nishikawa.
Meanwhile, widespread public opposition to nuclear power continues even if people face power shortages.
by RTT Staff Writer
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